NoSQL and alternative models in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does NoSQL stand for and why is it used?

NoSQL means "Not Only SQL." It is used to store and manage data that doesn't fit well into traditional tables, like big or flexible data.

beginner

Name four common types of NoSQL databases.

The four common types are: Document stores (like MongoDB), Key-Value stores (like Redis), Column stores (like Cassandra), and Graph databases (like Neo4j).

beginner

How does a document store database organize data?

It stores data as documents, usually in JSON-like format, where each document can have different fields and structures, making it flexible.

beginner

What is a key-value store and when is it useful?

A key-value store saves data as pairs: a unique key and its value. It's useful for fast lookups when you know the key, like caching user sessions.

intermediate

Why might someone choose a graph database?

Graph databases are great for data with many relationships, like social networks or recommendation systems, because they store data as nodes and edges.

Which NoSQL database type stores data as JSON-like documents?

A Graph database

B Key-value store

C Column store

D Document store

Document stores organize data as flexible documents, often in JSON format.

What is a key feature of column store databases?

A Store data in rows like tables

B Store data as key-value pairs

C Store data in columns for fast aggregation

D Store data as nodes and edges

Column stores save data by columns, which helps speed up queries that aggregate data.

Which NoSQL model is best for representing social networks?

A Graph database

B Document store

C Key-value store

D Column store

Graph databases are designed to handle complex relationships like social connections.

Why might NoSQL databases be preferred over traditional SQL databases?

A They handle flexible or large-scale data better

B They require fixed schemas

C They always use SQL queries

D They cannot scale horizontally

NoSQL databases are good for flexible data and can scale easily across many servers.

Which NoSQL type is best for fast access when you know the exact key?

A Document store

B Key-value store

C Graph database

D Column store

Key-value stores provide very fast lookups by key.

Explain the main differences between SQL and NoSQL databases.

Think about how data is organized and how flexible the structure is.

Describe a real-life example where a graph database would be more useful than a document store.

Consider how friends connect on social media.