Database Management · Advanced level

Advanced level · Module 5 of 6 · 22 guided hours

NoSQL and Choosing a Data Store

Understand document, key-value and other NoSQL databases, JSON in PostgreSQL, and choose the right store for each need.

Learning objectives

  • Explain the main NoSQL models and their trade-offs
  • Use JSON data in PostgreSQL and a document database
  • Choose and justify data stores for real requirements

Topics

  • document databases
  • key-value stores and caching
  • wide-column and graph databases (overview)
  • JSON and JSONB in PostgreSQL
  • consistency trade-offs
  • choosing a data store

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 The NoSQL Landscape

    Learn the main non-relational models and what each is good at.

    document databasekey-value storewide-column and graphschema flexibility

  2. Lesson 2 Document Data and JSON in PostgreSQL

    Store and query flexible JSON documents, both in a document database and in PostgreSQL's JSONB columns.

    JSON documentsJSONB-> and ->> operatorsGIN index

  3. Lesson 3 Caching and Consistency

    Use caches to reduce database load, and understand the consistency trade-offs of distributed data.

    cache-aside patternexpiry (TTL)cache invalidationeventual consistency

  4. Lesson 4 Choosing a Data Store

    Make and justify data store decisions from requirements rather than trends.

    requirements-based choiceoperational costteam skillsarchitecture decision record

Practical activity

Store variable survey responses as JSON in PostgreSQL and in a document database, compare querying and integrity, and write a data store recommendation.

Expected outcomes

  • Informed choices between relational and NoSQL stores
  • Practical use of JSON data

Assessment

Written recommendation for three scenarios, plus a practical JSON query exercise.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.