Your web application looks great with a smooth UX/UI. But is that enough to keep customers coming back? Not quite.
Building software involves more than just the design. To make sure your app works well, you need to focus on the database. A good database ensures your app is secure, fast, and can handle large amounts of data.
There are many database management systems out there. While having many options is good, it can also make it harder to choose the right one. In this post, we’ll explore 15 of the best databases for web applications to help you make an informed decision.
Popular Database Types for Web Application Developers
When building a web application, the choice of database depends on the specific needs of the project and the ability to handle data storage and management. There are many types of databases for both web and mobile apps, but this article will focus on databases for web applications. Below are four main types of databases that development teams use when creating web apps.
Relational Databases
Relational databases, also called SQL databases, store data in tables with rows and columns. Each table represents a group of related data, like customers, orders, or products. The columns in a table show the details (like names, IDs, or prices), and the rows hold specific entries. For example, one row might be a customer with a name, ID number, and contact information. These databases are useful because developers can easily link tables and pull data from multiple sources. Relational databases are great for keeping data well-organized and ensuring accuracy.
NoSQL Databases (Non-relational Databases)
NoSQL databases work differently from relational ones. Instead of using tables, they store unstructured data in various ways depending on the type of NoSQL database. Some common types include:
- Document databases: Store data as documents (like a JSON file).
- Key-value stores: Save data as pairs, with a key (like an ID) and its value.
- Wide column stores: Use tables, but with more flexible columns.
- Graph databases: Focus on the relationships between pieces of data.
NoSQL databases are great for applications with large, changing data and can easily scale by adding more servers. They work well when the data structure doesn’t stay the same over time.
Object-oriented Databases
Object-oriented databases are designed for programming languages like Java or Python. Instead of storing data in tables, they save it as objects. These objects hold both the data and the actions that can be performed on the data. Each object has unique details like an ID number or specific functions. This type of database works well with object-oriented programming, making it a good fit for web apps that use these languages.
In-Memory Databases
As the name suggests, in-memory databases store data in the memory of a computer rather than on disks or SSDs. This makes them very fast, which is why they’re often used for apps that need real-time data processing, like banking apps. However, they are more expensive than traditional databases because memory is costly. The speed and low-latency performance of in-memory databases make them perfect for applications where every second counts.
Other Types of Databases
Besides the four main types mentioned above, there are a few other databases worth considering for web apps:
- NewSQL databases: Combine the scalability of NoSQL with the reliability of SQL (ACID properties), making them good for high-performance apps.
- Time-series databases: Focus on handling time-stamped data, making them ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) and financial apps.
- Graph databases: Focus on complex relationships between data points and are great for recommendation systems, social networks, and analyzing networks.
Functions of a Database Management System in Business Operations
A key factor that helps modern web apps succeed is the effectiveness of their database management systems. Why is this so important? Below are some of the top functions a good database brings to business operations:
- Data Storage: A database helps businesses organize and store large amounts of data in a structured way.
- Data Retrieval: With tools like SQL queries and reports, businesses can easily get the information they need.
- Data Integrity: A database ensures data is accurate and consistent by using rules for transactions and validation.
- Data Security: With backup and recovery options, businesses can protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Data Scalability: Databases let businesses add more hardware as they grow, making it easy to scale up.
- Data Sharing: By allowing data to be shared across different departments and systems, a database improves collaboration within the company.
Database Web Applications: 15 Best Databases for Web Applications
There are many databases available for web applications, each with its own features and capabilities. Some belong to relational databases, while others are part of NoSQL databases. No single database is the “best” because the right choice depends on your specific needs. Below are 15 popular databases commonly used for web applications.
MySQL
Type: Relational database
MySQL is an open-source relational database management system used not only for web apps but for other software too. It’s owned by Oracle and was originally developed by a Swedish company called MySQL AB. MySQL works with many operating systems and programming languages like Java, C++, and Python. It performs well and is often used with other open-source tools like PHP, Apache, and Linux to form a complete web development stack. MySQL is available in both commercial and community editions, depending on what users need.
Microsoft SQL Server
Type: Relational database
Microsoft SQL Server is a database product from Microsoft, built to store and access data across multiple servers. It ensures performance and security using a table structure and offers high availability and disaster recovery options like Always On Availability Groups and Failover Clustering. Since it’s from Microsoft, SQL Server works well with other Microsoft products like the .NET Framework and Visual Studio.
PostgreSQL
Type: Relational database
PostgreSQL, also known as Postgres, is one of the top relational database management systems. It’s open-source, highly scalable, reliable, and flexible. PostgreSQL is maintained by volunteers and is completely free to use on popular platforms like Windows, MacOS, Linux, and UNIX, with no licensing fees. It’s especially strong in advanced SQL support, making it great for handling complex data processing and analysis.
Redis
Type: In-memory non-relational database
Redis is an in-memory data structure store that acts as a database, cache, and message broker. Because it stores data in memory, it offers super-fast performance, making it ideal for real-time apps like banking systems. Redis stores data as key-value pairs, similar to a Java hash map or a Python dictionary. Its speed and flexibility make Redis perfect for use cases where low-latency access to data is critical. Redis is also open-source, so you’re not locked into one vendor or technology.
MongoDB
Type: Non-relational document database
MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database that’s free to use. It stores unstructured data in a JSON-like format, making it flexible. MongoDB supports horizontal scaling across multiple servers and automatic sharding. Big companies like Facebook and IBM use MongoDB as a backend database. It’s user-friendly because you don’t need to know much about data structures or relationships to use it.
Cassandra
Type: NoSQL database
Cassandra is a column-oriented NoSQL database built on the principles of Dynamo but improves on some of its issues. It was originally developed at Facebook and became open-source in 2008. While Cassandra doesn’t offer strong consistency, it provides high availability by letting users store multiple copies of data across different hosts. This makes it a popular choice for startups.
SQLite
Type: Relational database
SQLite is a relational database written in C. It’s great for handling large amounts of data, even when dealing with blobs that are several gigabytes in size. Unlike traditional databases, SQLite stores data in a single flat file, making it ideal for mobile devices, embedded systems, and small applications. It’s a top choice for mobile app developers who need a fast, reliable database.
Oracle
Type: Relational database
Oracle is an enterprise-level relational database developed by Oracle Corporation. Known for its scalability, performance, and security, it’s widely used across industries. Oracle allows businesses to store and manage large amounts of data and handle high transaction rates. It also offers security features like encryption and access controls. Oracle can run on any platform, including Windows, Linux, and UNIX, without major changes, making it very flexible.
IBM DB2
Type: Relational database
IBM DB2 is a relational database that handles a wide range of data needs, from big data analytics to machine learning. It organizes data into structured tables, allowing users to scale and optimize their systems as needed. IBM DB2 is ideal for applications that need fast data processing and real-time analytics.
Elasticsearch
Type: NoSQL database
Elasticsearch is a distributed search and analytics engine built on Apache Lucene. While its main function is search, it also stores and analyzes large volumes of data quickly. Elasticsearch stores data in JSON format and works well with unstructured or semi-structured data. It’s particularly useful for applications that need full-text search capabilities.
MariaDB
Type: Relational database
MariaDB, created by the original developers of MySQL, offers greater flexibility and performance compared to its predecessor. It remains open-source and provides enhanced features like improved query optimization and faster replication. MariaDB also includes unique tools such as the Aria storage engine and support for dynamic columns, making it well-suited for applications that require high speed and scalability.
OrientDB
Type: Multi-model NoSQL database
OrientDB is an open-source NoSQL database that supports different data models, including document, graph, object, and key/value models. This multi-model capability makes it easier to manage complex data structures and relationships. OrientDB is a good fit for applications that need the flexibility of both graph and document databases.
Neo4j
Type: NoSQL graph database
Neo4j is a graph database that stores data as nodes and relationships rather than in documents or tables. This makes it ideal for managing complex relationships between data points. Neo4j is very flexible because it doesn’t have a fixed structure, making it great for applications that involve complex connections across different domains.
Firebird SQL
Type: Relational database
Firebird SQL is a lightweight relational database known for its reliability and performance. It’s used in both small embedded applications and large enterprise solutions. Firebird SQL supports efficient transaction management and high concurrency, ensuring data consistency and integrity through its multi-generational architecture.
DynamoDB
Type: NoSQL database
DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database from Amazon Web Services (AWS). It automates tasks like hardware setup and software patching, allowing developers to focus on building their products. DynamoDB offers single-digit millisecond response times, making it highly flexible for applications that need to scale as demands change. It’s commonly used in gaming, IoT, mobile backends, and real-time analytics.
There isn’t a single “best” database for web applications because each system has its own strengths. Choosing the right one depends on the needs of your project. If you’re unsure where to start, let EZtek Software guide you with our database development services, available since 2013. Contact us for more information.
