Suggest an editImprove this articleRefine the answer for “How does a relational database differ from a non-relational one?”. Your changes go to moderation before they’re published.Approval requiredContentWhat you’re changing🇺🇸EN🇺🇦UAPreviewTitle (EN)Short answer (EN)The main difference is the data-storage structure and how you work with it: a relational database uses tables with rows and columns, strictly structured data, relationships via keys, and SQL, while a non-relational database stores documents, key-value pairs, graphs, or columns with a flexible, often unfixed structure. **Key point:** relational databases typically fully support ACID transactions and fit systems where strict structure matters (banks, ERP, CRM), while non-relational databases are more often chosen for speed and scalability with flexible, frequently changing data (social networks, caching, big-data analytics).Shown above the full answer for quick recall.Answer (EN)ImageThe main difference between a relational and a non-relational database is the **data-storage structure and how you work with it**. ### The key differences | Characteristic | Relational DB | Non-relational DB | |---|---|---| | Structure | Tables with rows and columns; data is strictly structured | Documents, key-value, graphs, or columns; the structure is flexible, often unfixed | | Relationships | Tables are linked via keys (primary/foreign) | Relationships are usually minimal or absent; data is stored "as is" | | Query language | SQL | Varies: MongoDB uses BSON/JSON queries, Redis uses key-value commands, and so on | | Use | Systems where strict structure and relationships matter: banks, ERP, CRM | Systems with flexible, frequently changing data: social networks, caching, big-data analytics | | Transactions | ACID support (atomicity, consistency, isolation, durability) | ACID isn't always supported; speed and scalability are often prioritized instead | **A simple analogy:** - A relational DB is like an **Excel spreadsheet with several interlinked sheets**, where every record has its place. - A non-relational DB is like **a pile of documents or JSON files**, where data can be stored in different shapes and new fields added with no strict rules.For the reviewerNote to the moderator (optional)Visible only to the moderator. Helps review go faster.