What is NewSQL?

Introduction

NewSQL is a modern relational database system that bridges the gap between SQL and NoSQL. NewSQL databases aim to scale and stay consistent.

NoSQL databases scale while standard SQL databases are consistent. NewSQL attempts to produce both features and find a middle ground. As a result, the database type solves the problems in big data fields.

This article gives an outline of NewSQL databases and their features.

What is NewSQL?

NewSQL is a unique database system that combines ACID compliance with horizontal scaling. The database system strives to keep the best of both worlds. OLTP-based transactions and the high performance of NoSQL combine in a single solution.

Enterprises expect high-quality of data integrity on large data volumes. When either becomes a problem, an enterprise chooses to:

• Improve hardware, or
• Create custom software for distributed databases

Both solutions are expensive on both a software and hardware level. NewSQL strives to improve these faults by creating consistent databases that scale.

NewSQL Database Features

The main features of NewSQL databases are:

• In-memory storage and data processing supply fast query results.
• Partitioning scales the database into units. Queries execute on many shards and combine into a single result.
• ACID properties preserve the features of RDBMS.
• Secondary indexing results in faster query processing and information retrieval.
• High availability due to the database replication mechanism.
• A built-in crash recovery mechanism delivers fault tolerance and minimizes downtime.

Difference Between SQL, NoSQL, and NewSQL

The table outlines the main differences between SQL, NoSQL, and NewSQL features.

Best NewSQL Databases

Below is a run-through of the best NewSQL databases currently on the market. The list is not extensive, so research further if you plan to use one of the databases.

VoltDB

VoltDB works well with high-speed transactional applications. The database performs in-memory processing on a distributed architecture. The software is available as both open source and proprietary.

Key features:

• Real-time decision-making.
• Support for Kafka import and export.
• Disaster recovery through database replication.
• Hadoop and OLAP export integration.

CockroachDB

CockroachDB is a scalable and robust database. The database offers strong data consistency and works well with low-latency resources.

Key features:

• Robust disaster recovery system.
• Historical data view, record, and storage options.
• Built-in cleaning processes for disks and storage devices.
• CockroachDB works in unfavorable conditions.

NuoDB

NuoDB is a geo-distributed database with flexible scaling for various geographic locations. The database maps data across various points while staying ACID compliant.

Key features:

• High-quality data transformations.
• Always available with online schema evolutions and rolling upgrades.
• Tailored features for data storage and control.
• Full ACID transaction support.

ClustrixDB

ClustrixDB is a self-managing NewSQL database. The software automates scaling operations and supports high availability.

Key features:

• Efficient data categorization.
• SQL code migration options.
• Built-in health metrics in a browser interface.
• DevOps assistance and query caching.

Altibase

Altibase is an in-memory database with a hybrid architecture. The database reduces hardware and software costs by combining in-memory data processing with an on-disk DBMS with a single license. Altibase comes in both community and proprietary versions.

Key Features

• Memory-optimized engine for increased speeds.
• Custom persistence and performance balance levels.
• Flexible deployment options.
• Real-time access to vital data.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you know about different NewSQL databases and what they offer. The database combines features from NoSQL and SQL to create a new database system.

Next, learn about the various NoSQL database modeling methods.