What are the trade-offs in database design?

What are the trade-offs in database design?

In database design, trade-offs often involve balancing normalization and denormalization, performance and consistency, and complexity and maintainability. For example, while normalization reduces data redundancy, it can lead to complex queries that may impact performance.

Can you explain normalization and denormalization?

Normalization is the process of organizing data to minimize redundancy, while denormalization involves combining tables to improve read performance. Each has its pros and cons depending on the use case.

What are some common performance issues in databases?

Common performance issues include slow query response times, locking and blocking, inefficient indexing, and poor database design. Identifying the root cause is crucial for optimization.

How do I decide between a relational and a NoSQL database?

The choice depends on your data structure and access patterns. Relational databases are great for structured data with complex queries, while NoSQL databases excel in handling unstructured data and scalability.