How does the CAP theorem apply to NoSQL databases?

Can you explain the CAP theorem and how it relates to NoSQL databases?

The CAP theorem states that in a distributed data store, you can only guarantee two of the following three properties: Consistency, Availability, and Partition Tolerance. NoSQL databases often prioritize availability and partition tolerance over consistency.

What are some examples of NoSQL databases that follow this theorem?

Examples of NoSQL databases include MongoDB, Cassandra, and Couchbase. Each of these databases has its own approach to balancing the CAP properties.

How do these databases handle consistency?

NoSQL databases handle consistency in various ways. For instance, Cassandra uses eventual consistency, meaning that updates will propagate to all nodes eventually, but not immediately.

Can you give me a real-world scenario where CAP theorem is important?

Sure! In a social media application, you might prioritize availability and partition tolerance to ensure users can always post updates, even if some data might not be immediately consistent across all servers.