LokiJS vs MongoDB: What are the differences?

Introduction

LokiJS and MongoDB are both NoSQL databases used for storing and retrieving data. However, they have key differences that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will explore and highlight these differences.

1. Data Structure: LokiJS is an in-memory database that saves data in JavaScript objects, making it faster for data retrieval. On the other hand, MongoDB is a document-based database that stores data in BSON (Binary JSON) format, offering more flexibility in handling complex data structures.

2. Scalability: While both databases can handle a large amount of data, MongoDB is more scalable due to its distributed architecture and horizontal scaling capabilities. LokiJS, being an in-memory database, is limited by the available memory of the system it runs on and may not be suitable for large-scale applications with high data volumes.

3. Query Language: MongoDB uses a powerful query language called MongoDB Query Language (MQL) that allows for complex and dynamic queries using a JSON-like syntax. LokiJS, on the other hand, uses a simple and lightweight query language that supports basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations but lacks the advanced querying capabilities of MongoDB.

4. Indexes: Both databases support indexing for faster data retrieval. However, MongoDB offers a wider range of indexing options, including text indexes, geo-spatial indexes, and compound indexes. LokiJS, being an in-memory database, has limited indexing options, mainly supporting single-field indexes.

5. Transaction Support: MongoDB supports multi-document ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) transactions, allowing multiple operations to be executed in a single transaction. LokiJS, on the other hand, does not have built-in transaction support and operates on a single-document level, making it less suitable for applications that require complex transactional operations.

6. Community and Ecosystem: MongoDB has a large and active community, offering extensive support, documentation, and a wide range of libraries and tools. LokiJS, while having its own community, is relatively smaller compared to MongoDB, resulting in fewer resources and options for developers.

In summary, LokiJS and MongoDB differ in their data structure, scalability, query language capabilities, indexing options, transaction support, and community support. These differences make each database more suitable for specific use cases and development needs.