Couchbase vs MySQL vs PostgreSQL: What are the differences?

Introduction

When choosing a database system, it's essential to weigh the differences between options like Couchbase, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. These differences can impact the performance, scalability, and functionality of your application.

1. Data Model: Couchbase is a NoSQL database that uses a key-value model, making it ideal for fast storage and retrieval of structured and semi-structured data. On the other hand, MySQL and PostgreSQL are relational databases that use tables and structured query language (SQL) for data storage and manipulation.

2. Scaling: Couchbase is designed for horizontal scaling, allowing you to add nodes to distribute the data workload efficiently. MySQL and PostgreSQL, while they support sharding and clustering for scaling, are more traditionally scaled vertically by increasing server resources.

3. Consistency: Couchbase offers eventual consistency by default, meaning updates may not be immediately reflected across all nodes but will eventually synchronize. MySQL and PostgreSQL provide strong consistency, ensuring that all nodes see the same data at the same time, which can be crucial for certain applications.

4. Data Integrity: While all three databases offer mechanisms for maintaining data integrity, PostgreSQL has more robust support for constraints, triggers, and data validation rules compared to MySQL and Couchbase which may require more manual enforcement of data integrity.

5. ACID Compliance: PostgreSQL and MySQL are both ACID-compliant databases, ensuring data atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability for transactions. Couchbase is designed with eventual consistency in mind, prioritizing high availability and partition tolerance over strict ACID compliance in all scenarios.

6. Supported Data Types: PostgreSQL supports an extensive range of data types including network addresses, geometric types, and JSON data with validation. MySQL also supports JSON data, but to a lesser extent than PostgreSQL. Couchbase supports flexible schema design, making it easy to store and retrieve JSON documents efficiently.

In Summary, understanding the key differences between Couchbase, MySQL, and PostgreSQL can guide your decision in selecting the right database system for your specific application requirements.