What are the key differences between distributed databases and traditional databases?

What are the key differences between distributed databases and traditional databases?

Distributed databases are spread across multiple locations, while traditional databases are usually centralized. This affects scalability, availability, and fault tolerance.

Can you explain how scalability works in distributed databases?

Sure! Distributed databases can scale horizontally by adding more nodes, which allows them to handle increased loads more efficiently than traditional databases.

What about data consistency in these two types of databases?

Traditional databases often use strong consistency models, while distributed databases may use eventual consistency to improve performance and availability.

Are there any specific use cases where one is preferred over the other?

Yes, distributed databases are preferred for applications requiring high availability and scalability, like social media platforms, while traditional databases are often used in transactional systems like banking.