

They’re great for complex data analysis, but a bit overkill for simple information storage.įor the curious who want to learn more, check out this explainer for a more thorough breakdown of these and other database types.

Graph databases can contain billions of nodes and trillions of relationships, like neurons in a brain. A node is a single piece of data, and a relationship points from one node to another node. Graph databases store information as nodes and relationships. They’re more flexible, but they’re easier to misuse. Unlike SQL databases, document databases don’t need strict predefined rules. An object can also contain links to other objects. Non-relational databases are collectively called NoSQL databases.ĭocument databases store data in chunks, called “objects” or “documents.” Each object is a bundle of related data, like a user’s profile or a product. Developers use SQL (Structured Query Language) to create and use these databases. The schema keeps data firmly organized and separate. These databases need a schema-a set of very strict rules-to define each table. Relational databases store data in tables, similar to an Excel spreadsheet.

Here’s a simple explanation of each type: We chose databases from three broad categories: relational, document, and graph databases. If you’re absolutely unfamiliar with databases, this video is a great introduction to get you started. We selected five contenders with unique advantages:
Best database software for non profit free#
Understanding the functionality and limitations of the best free database management tools will help you make the right decision. But the bounty is real! When you need safe, reliable data management, chances are there’s an open-source or free solution that will fit your needs. In a world dominated by Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon, it’s easy to overlook the bounty of free database management tools.
