A key-value data model or database is also referred to as a key-value store. It is a non-relational type of database. In this, an associative array is used as a basic database in which an individual key is linked with just one value in a collection. For the values, keys are special identifiers. Any kind of entity can be valued. The collection of key-value pairs stored on separate records is called key-value databases and they do not have an already defined structure.
How do key-value databases work?
A number of easy strings or even a complicated entity are referred to as a value that is associated with a key by a key-value database, which is utilized to monitor the entity. Like in many programming paradigms, a key-value database resembles a map object or array, or dictionary, however, which is put away in a tenacious manner and controlled by a DBMS.
An efficient and compact structure of the index is used by the key-value store to have the option to rapidly and dependably find value using its key. For example, Redis is a key-value store used to tracklists, maps, heaps, and primitive types (which are simple data structures) in a constant database. Redis can uncover a very basic point of interaction to query and manipulate value types, just by supporting a predetermined number of value types, and when arranged, is prepared to do high throughput.
When to use a key-value database:
Here are a few situations in which you can use a key-value database:-
- User session attributes in an online app like finance or gaming, which is referred to as real-time random data access.
- Caching mechanism for repeatedly accessing data or key-based design.
- The application is developed on queries that are based on keys.
Features:
- One of the most un-complex kinds of NoSQL data models.
- For storing, getting, and removing data, key-value databases utilize simple functions.
- Querying language is not present in key-value databases.
- Built-in redundancy makes this database more reliable.
Advantages:
- It is very easy to use. Due to the simplicity of the database, data can accept any kind, or even different kinds when required.
- Its response time is fast due to its simplicity, given that the remaining environment near it is very much constructed and improved.
- Key-value store databases are scalable vertically as well as horizontally.
- Built-in redundancy makes this database more reliable.
Disadvantages:
- As querying language is not present in key-value databases, transportation of queries from one database to a different database cannot be done.
- The key-value store database is not refined. You cannot query the database without a key.
Some examples of key-value databases:
Here are some popular key-value databases which are widely used:
- Couchbase: It permits SQL-style querying and searching for text.
- Amazon DynamoDB: The key-value database which is mostly used is Amazon DynamoDB as it is a trusted database used by a large number of users. It can easily handle a large number of requests every day and it also provides various security options.
- Riak: It is the database used to develop applications.
- Aerospike: It is an open-source and real-time database working with billions of exchanges.
- Berkeley DB: It is a high-performance and open-source database providing scalability.