MongoDB vs PostgreSQL 15 Key Differences

Jun 16, 2022
MongoDB vs PostgreSQL

Since databases are the basis of software development and they serve various purposes to create projects of different kinds and size and scope and scope, it's important to understand the importance of databases, so you can choose the right design for your database stack.

What does it mean by MongoDB?

The MongoDB logo, showing the text beside an upright, green leaf.
MongoDB logo. (Image Source: Mecdata)

Main Descriptions

There are a few key features of MongoDB which make it stand out from other top non-relational database options available in the present:

  • Tips to speed up your web browsing If the apps you use change, MongoDB assists you with the top methods of schema design to ensure maximum effectiveness.
  • Multiple cloud clusters Utilizing MongoDB allows you to build solid and secure applications using two or more cloud clusters at the simultaneously.
  • Load-balancing: MongoDB facilitates control simultaneous to process multiple client requests in parallel together with other servers. This helps reduce server load and also ensures data consistency as well as availability. This also lets you scale applications.

Use Cases

MongoDB is utilized by thousands of organizations worldwide as a storage system for data and as an application's database service.

MongoDB plays a pivotal role in:

  • Content management Content management via HTML0 with MongoDB allows you to store and manage all kinds of information create every feature you want and incorporate any type of data into the one database. MongoDB gives you the base for success by providing regular hardware, as well as more efficient teams that will ensure your project cost 10% less than they should and offer all the tools required to create apps that contain a wealth of information.
  • Customization: MongoDB allows you to customize the experience for millions of customers at any time by implementing specific features like specific ads, customized homepages, and logging-in to social media networks. There is also the option to run sophisticated queries directly in your database , without having to think about transforming information, extracting and loading it.
  • Offloading of the mainframe It's simple to transfer jobs off of the mainframe using MongoDB. Offloading the mainframe involves an approach to replicate frequently accessing mainframe information to the operating data layer (ODL) that is constructed on MongoDB using which operations are transferred from different applications.

What is the meaning of PostgreSQL?

The PostgreSQL logo, showing the text below a stylized blue elephant head outlined in black and white.
PostgreSQL Logo. (Image Source: Uberconf)

Despite the rising use of NoSQL databases, traditional databases are still used in diverse applications because of their capacity and flexibility to query.

The relational database is perfect for processing complex queries and reports that are powered by data in cases in which the structure of the data isn't subject to frequent modifications. Databases that are open-source like PostgreSQL are an excellent choice for high-quality, reliable production databases, compared to other databases that are licensed, like SQL Server and Oracle.

PostgreSQL is also free for licensing, which removes the chance of excessively deploying. Its committed group of fans and contributors often spot issues and provide solutions. They also aid in the overall safety of databases.

The Key Highlights

Here are some of the most outstanding characteristics of PostgreSQL that makes it one of the most frequently used databases in the world today:

  • Columns that are not located in the Atomic area one of the main requirements of the relational model is that all columns need to be in the atomic range. PostgreSQL does not make this a requirement and permits columns to have sub-values that queries can easily access.
  • Support for HTML0 for JSON data The capacity of storing and querying JSON lets PostgreSQL to execute NoSQL tasks as well- such as, for example, if you're developing databases that store information that is derived from multiple sensors, however you don't know exactly which columns are needed to work with different types of sensors. To address this, you can build tables in which one column contains JSON for storing the continuously ever-changing or unstructured data.
  • Window Functions Windows functions in PostgreSQL is a major factor to their value as an option for the field of analytics software. Windows functions execute functions on many rows, and provide an exact number of rows. Windows functions differ from aggregate functions due to their nature as aggregate functions , which only provide one row each time aggregation is done.

Use Cases

Here are some examples that illustrate the ways in which PostgreSQL helps:

  • Database that is the hub of federation. PostgreSQL's JSON support as well as foreign data wrappers allow it to interface with different data stores -- including NoSQL kinds and serve as a hub federated to provide support for polyglot databases.
  • Science data Projects in science and research can generate large amounts of data that must be handled efficient and effectively. PostgreSQL is a powerful SQL engine that has strong analytical capabilities that make the process of processing huge quantities of data a piece cake.
  • LAPP The open-source stack: PostgreSQL can run dynamic applications and websites as part of an alternatives to LAMP stack. LAPP refers to Linux, Apache, PostgreSQL, Python, PHP, and Perl.

MongoDB vs PostgreSQL: Head-to-Head Comparison

The main issue isn't MongoDB in opposition to PostgreSQL, but it's actually the most well-known document database, as opposed to the most trustworthy relational database.

Most of the time, during the course of an ongoing project is in progress, the project's managers know about the use situation, but don't have the knowledge of what attributes the users and customers require. In the end, they have to make an informed decision and believe that they're making the correct choice.

In the next part in the next section, we'll discuss the differences among MongoDB and PostgreSQL in order to help you make the right decision effortlessly. The information we provide is based on important factors including layout, ACID compliance, extensibility in addition to security replication, as well as support to name a few.

Let's get started!

ACID Compliance

One of the crucial characteristics of relational databases which assist write applications are ACID transactions. When it comes to the amount of isolation between transactions in database, PostgreSQL uses the read committed isolation level as the default. The users can change the level of isolation read committed by altering the degree of isolation that can be serialized.

The most important thing to consider is the value of transactions is the fact that they permit various changes to databases that can be made or reversed in the context of a group. For a relational database, data would be modelled on different tables, including parents and children within the tabular schema.

In contrast, document databases are more effective to execute transactions due to their ability to combine the document's information. Also, because writing and reading is an atomic operation that doesn't require multi-document transaction.

MongoDB allows complete isolation during updating is happening on a document. In the event of errors, it's possible for the update procedure to be reversed and roll back the alteration and guaranteeing that users receive an identical image of the original document.

MongoDB is also able to support the database transaction across a variety of documents. It allows any changes that are related to these transactions to be committed and rolled back in a group. Due to its multi-document transaction ability, MongoDB is one of the handful of databases that provide the speed, versatility and power that the structure of documents provides together alongside the ACID security of conventional databases.

Architecture/Document Model

For the storage of data in fields such as subdocuments or arrays which have been nested , the same data in JSON documents will be stored in a logical manner to make it simple for users to access the details through mongodb. the mongoDB query language.

Through MongoDB you can store data in documents in a binary format , referred to as Binaries JSON (BSON). The fields can be different based on the documents they're serving so you don't have to reveal the document's structure for the database Documents are self-decribing.

If you'd like to incorporate the new field into any kind of document, it's possible to add this field, but it will not have any effect on the other documents within the collection. You can also modify your ORM or central system catalog.

MongoDB offers the ability to validate schemas in order to establish data governance controls for every collection. This is particularly useful when combining data from diverse sources and accommodating modifications to documents as they develop, specifically as latest applications are constantly updated with new features.

PostgreSQL is a form of server-client design. It is composed of two parts:

  • Client-side processes These are applications which users utilize in order to access databases. The majority of the time they offer a interface for users that is easy and allows users to establish connections between database users to databases by using APIs.
  • Server-side processing This application is referred to as "Postgres" application that handles connections, procedures that are staticand dynamic and also assets. The running PostgreSQL website is controlled through the Postmaster daemon, which acts as a central coordinating system. The Postmaster daemon has responsibility to:
  • Recovering from an accident
  • The server is started
  • The server needs to be shut down
  • Background running processes
  • Processing connection requests of customers who are brand new

.

Extensibility

The term "expansibility" refers to the concept of being created to allow for the expansion of functions , or capabilities.

PostgreSQL permits extensibility in a number of ways, such as stored procedures and functions. What creates PostgreSQL expansive is its operation that is driven by catalogs.

The relational databases generally contain information on columns, tables as well as databases. Within catalogs of information on systems. The "data dictionary" appears to the user as tables. However, it also contains information inside databases.

PostgreSQL stores the information about the columns and tables, as well as information on the functions of different types of data Accessibility methods are available.

Further: PostgreSQL can also incorporate user-written code into itself via dynamic loading. Most clients need certain functions which could be accomplished through shared libraries. The users can supply the code, and PostgreSQL will execute it as necessary, which makes it ideal for speedy prototypes of brand new apps.

In contrast, MongoDB has eventually become adaptable, which allows users to design custom functions, and then use functions that are built into the framework. It's equivalent to user-defined functions (UDF) which permit users using the relational database (like PostgreSQL) to extend SQL statements.

Collaboration and Agility

MongoDB utilizes a document model in order to make the creation process faster and simpler to work with. MongoDB utilizes primarily JSON or BSON for storing its data in documents.

BSON is a collection of various data types that are not present in JSON data, such as datetime, long, int, and byte array. They help to manage information better since they can be modified based on the data type , instead of treating all data as a general "number" type of data. The BSON format allows queries to be executed quicker since it's an encrypted format which archives documents that resemble JSON.

BSON skips the keys that aren't useful for the query, which makes it easier to find the pertinent data. Users can also further refine the document's structure as well as make modifications making new fields, changing data, or altering it at any time that they want to.

MongoDB's flexibility MongoDB is a major benefit to MongoDB as it helps delay the procedure by asking an administrator to alter the language used to describe data, after that, starting over by re-creating or loading the database.

MongoDB can also be a fantastic option for developers to work with other developers in teams. There's no requirement to intermediate or complicated communications between teams.

In terms of Collaboration, PostgreSQL offers user-level permissions roles inheritance, along with privileges to tables. It is possible to manage users as well as grant them the right to read and write.

Additionally, you are able examine different groups and users who have access to the database by choosing to check this. This provides an additional level of security. However, PostgreSQL isn't as efficient as MongoDB as it's a relational system that allows data to be stored in rows as well as columns.

Foreign Key Support

One of the most important features that set MongoDB apart from PostgreSQL is the way it goes about the way it records its data.

As it's not a traditional database MongoDB utilizes collections rather than tables. Foreign keys comprise an array of characteristics within the table, which can be linked to the key of an additional table. Foreign keys join the two tables with the other.

Since there are no tables inside MongoDB Foreign keys aren't available inside MongoDB as well, which is why there are no restrictions regarding foreign keys. However, MongoDB does have a DBRef standard that helps to facilitate the creation of references.

Partitioning and Sharding

Partitioning and sharding refers to the process of breaking large data sets down into smaller pieces of smaller. The phrase "sharding" signifies the storage of data in multiple computers, and then partitioned it within one database.

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MongoDB is extremely elastic due to the partitioning of data among instances of the cluster. The data isn't divided into fragments since they're distinct components, which makes it more simple to transfer information across several servers. Data is stored in a local database.

The data is distributed across various regions swiftly and efficiently using MongoDB Atlas' cloud services. You can also store your data in specific locations, or all over the globe to decrease delay.

Since Version 5.0, MongoDB has included the "live" Resharding option that will save you time since you just need to write a rule. MongoDB will distribute the data as the date arrives.

In the past, it was possible to do so without damaging the system, however, the procedure was extremely complicated and risky. But, even though MongoDB could provide global geo-partitioning for some time the data was expanding across different countries with varying rates. Live resharding could be beneficial in cases where data must remain local within a country.

However, PostgreSQL supports declarative partitioning which is the process of defining how to split the table into parts. The table divided is known as partitioned tables. The document outlines the method of partitioning, and the column list, or expressions that are employed are called"the crucial " for partitioning.

There is a way to partition using a range in which tables are split in accordance with the ranges defined by the primary column or the columns. You can ensure that there are no diverse types of values assigned for the various partitions.

You can also use list partitioning, where the table is divided in accordance with the key value.

Replication

The process of replication involves creating duplicates of the same information on different servers. This allows database administrators to assure the highest redundancy and reliability of data.

To use MongoDB how to accomplish this is through the use by using"replica sets." In the context of a "replica set" it's a cluster that's linked to at least three servers that keep the data in a replica between them. The system provides a backup strategy to prevent downtimes when there is a planned maintenance interruption or system failure and thus enhances the amount of fault tolerance that the database has.

Replica sets can be shared across several data centers, as they could be useful for the case of local downtimes. This is accomplished with MongoDB Atlas that makes the process of designing and configuring the clusters much easier and faster.

PostgreSQL includes primary and second replication. Write-ahead logs permit sharing changes that are made by the replica nodes permitting synchronous replication. Other types of replications comprise logical, streaming replication and physical.

Indexes

Indexes are parts of a structure or object which allow us to access certain rows of information or rows faster.

PostgreSQL has a wide range of types of indexes designed to tackle any query quickly. The methods used to index include B-tree, multicolumn and expressions. In addition, advanced and partial indexing strategies like GiST, KNN Gist, SP-Gist GIN, BRIN, covering indexes as well as bloom filters are available within PostgreSQL.

But, MongoDB allows you to save data in any type of structure that is easily accessible via indexing, regardless of how deep nested it is in documents or arrays.

Language & Syntax

Both MongoDB and PostgreSQL support a wide range of languages.

Normalization

Normalization is the process of creating a table of relational data to reduce the amount of redundant data, while decreasing the amount of errors that can occur when making changes to data. Also, it improves the level of of the data.

MongoDB is able to handle both normalized and denormalized models of the data (also known as embedded models).

The embedded models allow applications to maintain related information in the same database . This improves the efficiency of operations to read and also the ability to gain access to relevant information in the course of a single transaction in database.

Furthermore, it is possible modify data related to it using one-to-one writing as programs make less queries for routine tasks. Documents created in MongoDB that utilize the embedded data model must be less than the limit in BSON file size (16 16 MB).

Normalized data models describe relationships using references between documents. This could be advantageous to embedding, particularly where it causes data duplication but insufficient benefits in terms speed to readout outweigh the adverse effects from duplicates.

Denormalization typically results in a large use of memory because previously normalized data from databases can be combined to increase the efficiency.

PostgreSQL schemas are identified by relationships. You can identify the structure with its 1:1 one:many or even the many:1 connection. Data normalization can be beneficial since it eliminates duplicate copies of data and thus ensures safety.

Performance

MongoDB was designed to grow horizontally , as it generally blends the power of other devices and doesn't depend on processing capabilities. MongoDB is capable of supporting huge applications regardless of being determined by the amount of data or by users.

MongoDB is a great choice for situations that demand speedy processing of requests. In addition, it is able to manage massive amounts of data. This database can comprise hundreds of computers.

Since MongoDB 4.4 is available, queries executed against replica sets produce higher quality and predictability with the use of "hedged" reads. These reads will be directed to multiple nodes of the replica set, until the most efficient node is able to respond.

Although it's not as fast as MongoDB in terms of performance in insertion, however it's an important advancement in ACID compatibility. Transactions are managed in a secure and efficient manner and allows the whole process to fail instead writing a piece of code that did succeed.

MongoDB was only recently (with version 4.4.0) began to support ACID transactions, which is similar to SQL databases.

Contrary with MongoDB, PostgreSQL depends on the idea of scaling up (vertical scaling) for large data amounts and the capacity to write on a greater scale. It's achieved through adding hardware resources like processors, disks and memory on the database server that is already.

Price

PostgreSQL is totally free and open source. This means that anyone can to make use of the tools that are available, and make modifications to the program anytime needed.

MongoDB is also an open-source tool. But, MongoDB does have other options, such as the enterprise version as well as Atlas (for Cloud), which have different costs. The pricing structure for buildings is included in the MongoDB enterprise edition.

Mongo RealmDB is available for gratis to every Atlas user for trial and minimal usage. Developers can design and create applications for mobile devices.

MongoDB Realm pricing options compute, sync, request, and transfer listed in a tabular format.
Pricing is available through Mongo RealmDB. (Image source: MongoDB Pricing)

The migration of data can also cause overhead; however this is an ordinary procedure regardless of the databases you've created in your computer system.

The processing of queries

PostgreSQL utilizes the structure of a relational data base that depends upon the storage of information in tables and also employing the structure query language (SQL) for accessing databases. SQL commands can be performed using the PostgreSQL console with psql. It comes with a large-object feature, which gives users access to streaming' information, which is kept in a particular large-object database.

Before adding any data, the database schema must be created to present information with appropriate relationships in order to handle the query. All relevant information is stored in separate databases in tables. Access is made via foreign keys and joins.

It's difficult to change the design of the database following it has created. There are several teams within the development and operations departments as well as the administrator of the database, who is responsible for overseeing the modifications that are made within the database in a controlled way.

However, the data structure of MongoDB does not require to be planned out in the past since it deals with data that's not structured properly. Additionally, the data structure is very easy to modify.

Developers are able to choose the most important features for the application and make changes as needed. MongoDB makes use of MQL that permits you to interact with the data kept within MongoDB and to extract data with the versatility and speed that SQL performs.

MongoDB processes data as JSON documents. It lets users search for fields in the JSON document, too. This is why MongoDB can be very useful in situations where you have to save files with a flexible field of data.

Contrary to this, PostgreSQL utilizes the GROUP_BY function to execute and perform aggregate queries. MongoDB typically uses pipelines to perform aggregation for processing the queries.

The biggest drawback is MongoDB But the primary problem is that it's not capable of easily joining tables. In PostgreSQL it is easy by using JOIN statements.

MongoDB is trying to solve this problem by offering multiple-dimensional data types that can link the storage of one kind of document to another. The system, however, isn't very efficient and looks as sleek as the simple connect function which PostgreSQL provides.

Security

PostgreSQL offers a range of authentication options like the flexible Pluggable Authentication System (PAM) as well as a light directory access protocol (LDAP) which both which help reduce the vulnerability to attack of servers. Additionally, it provides security to servers that use host-based authentication as well as certificate authentication.

The level of security could vary in a cloud from one system to one, but it's the identical database.

Additionally, MongoDB has client-side and field-level encryption both on the client and field sides. This allows users to safeguard the information they keep before sending data to the database via the network. However, as the information is stored in keys-value sets within a single record, it cannot be protected with the same security level provided by PostgreSQL The main focus of MongoDB remains speed.

It's the Community & Support

PostgreSQL is an open source software which is accepted by the community. This makes it a stronger system. PostgreSQL frequently releases updates that let developers, users and third-party companies aid in the development of the platform by resolving issues or small changes to its database system.

As with PostgreSQL, MongoDB also has an online community where users interact with others and get answers to their questions. The support for enterprise customers of MongoDB is comparable to PostgreSQL. MongoDB support for customers with business requirements provides a huge collection of information, which includes applications, extensive tutorials, detailed instruction, techniques for increasing performance, and the best methods.

Additionally, there are online classes that offer certificates and training that are provided by MongoDB for free.

Challenges

We've covered the advantages of both MongoDB and PostgreSQL which make them very popular among designers, they have a number of flaws too.

MongoDB is a database that focuses on data processing speed but it's not as secure in the protection of data as PostgreSQL is believed to be. It's quite heavy on memory since denormalization usually leads to an excessive consumption of memory.

Additionally, since there is the inability to join, MongoDB database is overloaded with data , often that is duplicate data that eat away memory. MongoDB is also working on a plan to integrate interpretation into other queries to increase the flexibility of its database. This could impact its performance since the database was not originally designed to support relationships within data models.

Converting SQL to MongoDB queries may take additional time to allow the engine to be used and could delay the process of deployment and further development.

However, even though PostgreSQL is easy to set up and can be adapted to virtually all platforms, the performance may differ based on the platform you are using. Furthermore, there aren't tools for making changes or reporting to show the current status regarding your databases. It is possible to examine your database on a regular basis whenever something doesn't go as you planned, so that you don't notice an issue when you've already gotten it fixed.

PostgreSQL can be slower because it is a compatibility-oriented. Though efforts have been made into increase the speed of PostgreSQL but the changes require some further work.

MongoDB and PostgreSQL The Best One: Which to Select?

MongoDB is a non-relational database source with respect it to the PostgreSQL database. PostgreSQL is an open source relational database. In contrast, NoSQL databases work on storing the data by using key-value pair in a single file, unlike traditional databases, which store data stored in different tables.

If you're trying to speed up data integration, as well as it is possible to scale across many servers MongoDB could be an ideal option for your business.

Summary

In this article, we've covered the most important details about PostgreSQL and MongoDB that are similar to the other. We've also discussed their historical background, key features and how they differ.

While both PostgreSQL as well as MongoDB are great database options It all boils down to which is the best option for your company.

Between PostgreSQL as well as MongoDB What database would you rather use? Please let us know which one you prefer in the comment section!

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