In today’s rapidly evolving world of Big Data, there is often a misconception that relational databases are no longer relevant. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, understanding relational databases is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a Big Data Scientist or Expert.

The rise of the NoSQL movement in recent years has led to the belief that relational databases are incapable of handling Big Data. While it is true that NoSQL databases offer advantages such as performance and flexible schema, there are still many situations where relational databases outperform their NoSQL counterparts.

One such scenario is ad-hoc reporting. NoSQL databases often struggle with reporting queries that require aggregating data based on non-indexed columns or dynamically built reports. In these cases, relational databases provide a much easier and efficient solution.

Another reason why relational databases remain relevant is the popularity and widespread usage of SQL. SQL is the most popular computer language of all time and is supported by a wide range of tools and connectors. Most developers have learned SQL during their education, making it easier to write queries in SQL compared to NoSQL query languages.

Furthermore, not all NoSQL solutions offer ACID compliance, which is essential for certain operations such as banking transactions or eCommerce shopping carts. Relational databases provide a mature and reliable ACID compliant language, ensuring data integrity and validity.

Contrary to popular belief, many big social media sites still rely on relational databases alongside Big Data solutions. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Wikipedia all use relational databases for various aspects of their operations. This demonstrates that relational databases are still a crucial component in the Big Data landscape.

It is important to view relational databases as a key component of Big Data rather than a substandard technology. Just like vanilla ice cream, which is loved by everyone and always available, relational databases have a place in the world of Big Data. While there may be a demand for more specialized solutions like NoSQL, there will always be scenarios where the reliability and familiarity of relational databases are preferred.

As the need for ACID compliance in Big Data applications grows, a new term has emerged – NewSQL. NewSQL refers to applications or tools that combine the properties of traditional relational databases with the scalability and infrastructure of Big Data.

In conclusion, relational databases play a vital role in the Big Data world. They offer reliability, familiarity, and ACID compliance, making them indispensable in certain scenarios. While NoSQL and other solutions have their place, it is important to recognize the importance of relational databases and their continued relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of Big Data.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog post where we will delve deeper into the concept of NewSQL.