MySQL vs RocksDB: What are the differences?

Introduction

MySQL and RocksDB are two different database management systems, each with its own distinct features and functionalities. While MySQL is a relational database management system, RocksDB is a log-structured merge-based storage system. Despite some similarities in terms of data storage and retrieval, there are several key differences between the two.

1. Data Structure: MySQL uses a traditional table-based data structure where data is stored in a structured manner with rows and columns. On the other hand, RocksDB uses a log-structured merge-tree (LSM) data structure, which provides high write throughput and efficient read operations.

2. Storage Engine: MySQL allows the use of several storage engines such as InnoDB, MyISAM, and more. These storage engines provide different features and optimizations. In contrast, RocksDB is a standalone storage engine that is designed specifically for fast, efficient storage and retrieval of data.

3. Write Performance: RocksDB excels in write-intensive workloads and can handle high write throughput efficiently. It achieves this by utilizing an LSM data structure that enables faster writes by buffering them in memory and then flushing them to disk in a sequential manner. MySQL, on the other hand, may not offer the same level of performance for write-heavy workloads.

4. Concurrency Control: MySQL provides various mechanisms for concurrency control, such as locking and transactions, to maintain data consistency and integrity. RocksDB, however, does not provide built-in concurrency control mechanisms. Instead, it relies on external systems or higher-level libraries to handle concurrent access and ensure data integrity.

5. Data Durability: MySQL ensures durability by supporting transaction logs and write-ahead logs. In the event of a system crash or failure, MySQL can recover the data by replaying the logs. RocksDB also ensures durability by persisting data to disk, but it does not provide built-in transaction logs or write-ahead logs.

6. Supported Workloads: MySQL is a versatile database management system that is well-suited for a wide range of applications, including online transaction processing (OLTP) and online analytical processing (OLAP). RocksDB, on the other hand, is optimized for high-throughput, low-latency workloads, making it ideal for use cases such as caching, high-traffic websites, and real-time analytics.

In summary, MySQL and RocksDB differ in terms of their underlying data structure, storage engines, performance characteristics, concurrency control mechanisms, data durability features, and supported workloads. These differences make them suitable for different types of applications and workloads.