Updated May 29, 2023
Difference Between MongoDB vs PostgreSQL
MongoDB is an open-source software from MongoDB Inc used for non-relational database management systems. At the same time, PostgreSQL is developed and maintained by the PostgreSQL Development group, which is used for the relational database management system. Since PostgreSQL handles relational databases, it exhibits an object-oriented nature. In MongoDB, all the contents of the database are documents and files. PostgreSQL and MongoDB support all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix.
MongoDB
- In MongoDB, developers typically store data as documents and represent it in a binary form called binary JSON. The first release of MongoDB was in the year 2009. It is available in the English language. It is also referred to as BSON. In MongoDB, documents have their structure, and fields can vary from one document to another. In MongoDB, developers use the term “collection” to refer to a cluster of documents. Making changes in a document, such as adding or deleting a field, will update only that specific document in MongoDB’s collection without affecting any other document.
- MongoDB has features like its support fields, range queries, etc. MongoDB follows mainly the document data model, which helps developers to connect with the application code directly. The other feature is indexing, which allows the index of the fields in the document. Developers can create a copy of data in MongoDB using replica sets. It helps to create the second part of primary data if the primary fails, then the replica set automatically checks and makes secondary to primary. Other features include load balancing, file storage, aggregation, server-side javascript, etc.
- MongoDB is mainly built on distributed system architecture. In MongoDB, documents bring together related data and support multi-document transactions, which helps connect the source database to ACID guarantees of a relational database. This improves the performance of the database and provides flexibility and power to document data models. To maintain data integrity, one can effectively utilize snapshots and transactions.
PostgreSQL
- The PostgreSQL Global Development group develops PostgreSQL. It was initially released in the year 1996. The developers primarily wrote it in the C language only.
- PostgreSQL generally stores the data in tables, using dynamic and static schemas to use relational data and storage. PostgreSQL mainly manages its concurrency by following the concept of MVCC, i.e., multi-version concurrency control. Replication, indexing, schemas, a range of data types, inheritance, online backup, often used defined objects like conversions, and procedural language are just a few of the features that PostgreSQL offers.
- Since PostgreSQL may transform into any data source, it uses FDW (Foreign data wrappers) to retrieve the data from other systems. It helps the generally written queries in SQL that can fetch the data from the data source, like tables and others. PostgreSQL has a wide range of connected interfaces, which helps in supporting the other programming languages.
- In PostgreSQL, you can define the database earlier based on your requirements. You can store the information or data in separate tables as needed. PostgreSQL also provides security based on the role of the user. Users and groups can grant and revoke permissions.
Head-to-Head Comparison Between MongoDB and PostgreSQL (Infographics)
Below is the top 8 difference between MongoDB and PostgreSQL:
Key differences between MongoDB and PostgreSQL
Let us discuss some of the major Difference Between MongoDB and PostgreSQL:
- In MongoDB, developers store related information using collections. On the other hand, in PostgreSQL, developers store related data information using tables.
- The document is how MongoDB obtains information. In PostgreSQL, the row is used.
- When working with MongoDB, developers typically describe adding a new column to a document as “defining a field within the document.” In contrast, developers refer to the same concept as a column when working with PostgreSQL.
- Developers manage the data set in MongoDB using a replica set. In PostgreSQL, developers regard replication as synchronous, often called 2-safe replication.
- Developers use the aggregation pipeline for queries in MongoDB, but in PostgreSQL, they use the GROUP BY clause.
- MongoDB has community support forums and other online sites like StackOverflow and servers fault. PostgreSQL has a wide range of community forums and commercial support as well.
- MongoDB maintains the documentation, which helps in defining the servers. PostgreSQL maintains online documentation.
- MongoDB follows the distributed architecture. PostgreSQL follows the monolithic architecture.
MongoDB and PostgreSQL Comparison Table
The primary Comparison between MongoDB and PostgreSQL are discussed below:
| Basis of Comparison between MongoDB vs PostgreSQL |
MongoDB |
PostgreSQL |
| Definition | MongoDB is an open-source, non-relational database management system. | PostgreSQL is a relational database management system. |
| Programmed | MongoDB has mainly programmed in C and C++ programming language and JavaScript language. | PostgreSQL is mainly programmed in C language. |
| Developed | MongoDB Inc develops MongoDB. | The PostgreSQL global development group develops PostgreSQL. |
| Orientation | It is mainly document-oriented. | It is mainly object-oriented. |
| Multi-Lingual | MongoDB is only available in the English language. | PostgreSQL is available in multiple languages. |
| Platforms | MongoDB supports many platforms as compared to PostgreSQL. | PostgreSQL supports mainly Unix-like and Windows platforms only. |
| Syntax | In MongoDB, the syntax is different compared to other relational databases. | PostgreSQL’s syntax is like other relational databases. |
| Website | Mongodb.com | postgresql.org |
Conclusion
MongoDB vs PostgreSQL benchmark are both different database management systems. Their architecture primarily differs, and they serve different purposes. MongoDB, being a document-based database, utilizes collections to store related information. Developers mostly use PostgreSQL when dealing with structured data and static JSON for SQL storage. When working with unstructured data, developers typically utilise MongoDB and need the storage’s JSON support.
Developers opt for MongoDB when creating dynamic queries because it is designed to handle constantly changing data. It also provides good performance and provides the functionality of automatic sharding. PostgreSQL is getting popularity because of its structure and wide range of use. It is also available for a long time. The developers are available for this technology more in number rather than for MongoDB. MongoDB is also getting popular as it uses new technologies like ReactJS etc.
Both MongoDB vs PostgreSQL benchmarks have their advantages and disadvantages, organizations and developers are careful to use technology in today’s world. You can select the database based on the development of the application and the language you intend to use in the application. The database selection depends on the platform and the environment as well.
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