SCALE 8x: Relational vs. non-relational

Before using a database it is import to ask whether a database fit the problem. If you want to build a structure containing all or most of a set of data my answer would usually be ¨no¨.

If you want fast access to small portion of a large data set then databases obviously fit. Whatever the interface all databases offer efficient ways to find the portion of the data you want. The relational and security features of SQL databases are potentially valuable for some applications.

While I have not explored them in detail what I have seen of XML and NoSQL databases strikes me as inferior to the SQL alternative in almost all respects. The only exception is Berkley DB which is good in many instances where SQL would be serious overkill.