ArangoDB vs PostgreSQL: What are the differences?

Introduction

ArangoDB and PostgreSQL are both popular database management systems (DBMS) used in web development. While they share similarities in being relational databases and offering ACID compliance, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will discuss six of the most significant differences between ArangoDB and PostgreSQL.

1. Data Model: ArangoDB is a multi-model database that supports document, graph, and key-value models, offering a flexible data model for different use cases. On the other hand, PostgreSQL is a traditional relational database that follows the table-based data model with predefined schemas and strict data types.

2. Query Language: ArangoDB provides its own query language called AQL (ArangoDB Query Language), which is SQL-like and allows for flexible querying across different data models. In contrast, PostgreSQL uses SQL (Structured Query Language), the standard language for querying and managing relational databases.

3. Scalability: ArangoDB provides both horizontal and vertical scalability, allowing for efficient scaling as the data and workload expand. It achieves this through sharding and replication. On the other hand, PostgreSQL has limited built-in scalability features and typically relies on vertical scaling with hardware upgrades.

4. Concurrency Control: ArangoDB utilizes a multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) system, allowing concurrent read and write operations without locking the entire database. This improves concurrency and performance. PostgreSQL also supports MVCC but implements it differently, with a focus on protecting data consistency over performance.

5. Joins: PostgreSQL is widely known for its advanced support of complex SQL queries and joins, making it a preferable choice for applications with complex relationships and data hierarchies. While ArangoDB can handle simpler joins, it may not be as powerful or efficient in handling complex join operations.

6. Community and Ecosystem: PostgreSQL has been around for a long time and has a large and active community. It has a mature ecosystem with numerous extensions, tools, and frameworks built around it. ArangoDB, although gaining popularity, has a smaller community and ecosystem in comparison.

In summary, ArangoDB stands out with its multi-model capabilities, AQL query language, and scalable architecture, while PostgreSQL excels in its advanced SQL support, data consistency focus, and mature ecosystem. The choice between the two would depend on specific use cases and priorities.