What are the challenges of maintaining data consistency in non-relational databases?

What are the challenges of maintaining data consistency in non-relational databases?

Maintaining data consistency in non-relational databases can be challenging due to their distributed nature and schema flexibility. Unlike relational databases, which use ACID properties, non-relational databases often prioritize availability and partition tolerance, leading to potential inconsistencies.

Can you explain what ACID properties are?

ACID stands for Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability. These properties ensure reliable transactions in relational databases, meaning that each transaction is processed reliably and ensures the database remains in a consistent state.

How do non-relational databases handle consistency then?

Non-relational databases often use eventual consistency models, where updates to the database will propagate and become consistent over time, rather than immediately. This allows for higher availability and performance but can lead to temporary inconsistencies.

What are some examples of non-relational databases?

Some popular non-relational databases include MongoDB, Cassandra, and Couchbase. Each has its own approach to handling data consistency and availability.