When you are dealing with digital apps, you need to store and collect data in the right place. However, where to store data stands as the most critical decision you need to make. There are two types of databases: SQL and NoSQL.
Here, SQL databases store structured, relational data with fixed schemas, and NoSQL databases can handle large volumes of unstructured data. Amidst this, PostgreSQL and MongoDB are the two popular database management systems; however, both serve different purposes. PostgreSQL is a relational database known for handling structured data, while MongoDB is a NoSQL database well-suited for unstructured data.
Confused about choosing between MongoDB vs PostgreSQL for your project? This blog walks you through the key differences between the two database management systems.
Let’s get started.
What is MongoDB?
MongoDB is an open-source, non-relational, and most popular document-oriented database available. It stores data as key-value pairs in JSON documents. It supports easy query manipulation and data storage. Every document contains different types of data, including strings, numbers, and Booleans. MongoDB is easy to learn, even for those with no programming experience. It was programmed in C, C++, and JS.
MongoDB can easily process large volumes of data faster than other solutions.
Features of MongoDB
- As your application scales, MongoDB helps you with best-practice schema design.
- It supports rich JSON-like queries
- The horizontal scalability is high
- MongoDB can handle multiple client requests in parallel with other servers.
- Built-in sharding
- Users can unlock the potential of cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and others.
Use Cases:
- Store any form of content in the database
- Allows you to personalize customers’ experience
- Real-time analytics application
What is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is a powerful, robust open-source database that has been under development for the past 27 years. NoSQL databases are becoming popular, but a relational database such as PostgreSQL remains vital for complex queries and in-depth reporting.
It is free and hence a strong substitute for SQL Server and Oracle. PostgreSQL is used to support the backend of web and mobile applications, mainly for complex queries.
PostgreSQL Features:
- Integrate and store JSON data
- Relational database that is compliant with the ACID
- Good security and data integrity capability.
Use Cases:
- Banking and finance applications.
- Business intelligence and reporting dashboards.
- Enterprise ERP systems
MongoDB vs PostgreSQL: Differences Cleared
| Parameters | MongoDB | PostgreSQL |
| Architecture Type | Document Model | Architecture Model |
| Database | Document Database | Relational Database |
| Performance | It excels at data insertion speed and horizontal scalability | It outperforms at ACID compliance and range of performance optimizations |
| Foreign Key Support | Does not support foreign key constraints | Supports foreign keys |
| Data | Uses documents to obtain data | Uses rows to obtain data |
| Programming Language Support | Supports programming languages: Python, Java, Scala, JavaScript, C, C++, C#, and R. | Supports procedural programming language: PL/pgSQL, PL/Python, PL/Perl, PL/Tcl, PL/Java, PL/PHP |
| Community & Ecosystem | Growing at a faster rate, with native support | Strong open-source support, libraries, and extensions |
| Use Case Fit | Ideal for dynamic, unstructured, or evolving datasets like social apps or IoT. | Best for structured, relational, and analytical use cases like finance, ERP, and reporting. |
Which One Should You Choose? MongoDB or PostgreSQL?
MongoDB is a non-relational, or NoSQL database, and PostgreSQL is a structured table in relational databases. MongoDB will fit excellently, provided you are interested in rapid data integration, scalability, and processing dynamic, unstructured data, as it is used in analytics platforms, high-traffic web applications, and product catalogs.
On the other hand, PostgreSQL is better at data analysis, warehousing, and applications that require secure, high-transaction integrity data. Which one to choose will depend on what you need in your business: flexibility and speed (MongoDB) or reliability and organization of data (PostgreSQL).
Wrapping it Up!
Here we come to the end of MongoDB vs PostgreSQL. Before choosing the right database management system, evaluate the benefits and which best suits your project's needs. MongoDB is great for scalability and flexibility. Whereas PostgreSQL offers a high level of customization, security, and more. Afterall, it depends on your requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is MongoDB faster than PostgreSQL?
Answer: MongoDB is ideal for resource-heavy workloads with unstructured data while PostgreSQL works best for complex queries.
2. Which is better, MongoDB or PostgreSQL?
Answer: Both MongoDB and PostgreSQL excel in their own features and functionalities. After all, in the end it comes down to your specific data project needs.
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