The two types of document-based NoSQL databases are MongoDB and CouchDB. A document database is often referred to as a document store and is typically used to store a document format and comprehensive description of the semi-structured data. It enables application development and upgrades without referring to the master schema. Content management and mobile data management are two areas where the document store can be applied.
What is MongoDB?
MongoDB is the leading new, popular data platform for developers and applications designed to release software and data power. MongoDB is used to build applications that are never before feasible, at a portion of the most advanced businesses’ cost of legacy databases, from progressive start-ups into largest companies and government agencies. In 2020 MongoDB was listed as the most commonly used database developer in the Stack Overflow Developer survey.
Advantages of MongoDB
Developers benefit from consistent and elegant developer experience across all the services in the MongoDB Cloud. There is a popular way of working with data from the database to search for analytics on the lake. It provides all its services with a single and consistent interface, unlike other Cloud data systems that involve you completely understanding various technologies and APIs. From AWS, GCP, or Azure, you can select the infra base and obtain authentic experience, deployment, and monitoring of clusters in various clouds from a single user interface.
For organizational simplification, MongoDB Cloud is entirely managed. The MongoDB Cloud gets its operations out of your way from the basics of implementing automation and tracking up to advanced features such as automated and smart performance advice. Clusters are handled entirely, synchronized resources are streamlined, and changes are just as simple as clicking on a button or API call.
What is CouchDB?
CouchDB is also an open-source document-based NoSQL database that focuses primarily on ease of use. It is a product of the Apache Software Foundation and inspired by Lotus Notes. It is a single database node that operates just like other databases. It usually begins with a single node but can be upgraded to the cluster seamlessly. The user can run an available database on several servers or VMs.
Compared to a single node CouchDB, a CouchDB cluster provides high capacity and availability. It uses a general-purpose language, Erlang. It uses javascript and map/reduce.
CouchDB stores data in the form of a document set instead of tables. The upgraded CouchDB is lockless, meaning that the database does not need to be locked during writes. The documents in this database often use the HTTP and JSON protocol and can add non-JSON files. CouchDB is also compatible with any JSON-supporting application or software.
CouchDB – Features
- A CouchDB server hosts uniquely named databases used to store a database with a specific name. The CouchDB offers a RESTful HTTP API to read and update (add, edit, delete) the database documents.
- CouchDB will provide a browser-based GUI for managing data, authorization, and settings.
- It provides the simplest replication method.
- CouchDB enables the authentication and the support of a session: to maintain authentication as a web application through a session cookie.
- CouchDB offers protection for databases, where permissions are divided into readers and administrators per database. Readers can read and write to the CouchDB database.
- CouchDB authenticates the data inserted in the database with authentication to check the creator, and the login session Id is the same.
Five significant differences between CouchDB and MongoDB:
- Queries: A RESTful HTTP API allows CouchDB to accept questions while MongoDB has a query language.
- CAP theorem: CouchDB gives priority to availability, and MongoDB gives priority to consistency.
- User base: MongoDB has a far larger user base than CouchDB, making MongoDB find support and recruit employees simpler.
- Pricing: CouchDB and MongoDB are open sources and free projects, but a paid, fully-managed service is probably needed to implement in production.
- Reviews: It seems that MongoDB has marginally good reviews than CouchDB.
Comparison of CouchDB and MongoDB
Technical Benefits
- CouchDB uses a JSON semi-structured format for data storage, and a RESTful HTTP API. HTTP or JavaScript queries for the CouchDB database are made through this API.
- MongoDB uses BSON, a JSON variant, to store binary data. MongoDB uses a different query language from SQL, although with some striking similarities.
CAP theorem approach
- CouchDB uses ‘eventual consistency’: Clients can write in one database node, ensuring that this information will ultimately spread to the rest of the database.
- MongoDB uses “strict consistency” to provide redundancy and high availability in the database but at availability expense.
Scalability and Performance
- CouchDB can provide master-master and master-slave replication, whereas MongoDB users can only use master-slave replication. Any node in the cluster will act as a master in a master-master replication (also called “multi-master”) by accepting read/write requests, providing automatic failovers.
- In terms of extensive data sets and high-performance criteria like faster read speeds, MongoDB has the edge typically over CouchDB. MongoDB is also preferred if you are not yet sure about your use of resources.
Popularity
- CouchDB is the fifth most common document-based NoSQL database, much further down the list at number 35.
- MongoDB is currently fifth on a list of the most popular database management systems and the most popular NoSQL database, according to the commonly used DB-Engines ranking list.
Want to know more about MongoDB training?
The decision to invest in MongoDB training pays off if you are a person who develops your skills or a manager who provides your team with learning opportunities. Training is advisable but not mandatory before taking MongoDB exams. Instructor-led training is the best way to improve the skills of your team. The free online training and instruction materials are adequate to prepare candidates for MongoDB certification exams.
Final Verdict
According to your requirements, you have to choose between MongoDB and CouchDB. MongoDB is the best option if you’re seeking higher read speed, fast growth, and scalability. However, CouchDB is only the option if you need a database to operate on mobile devices, and you need rapid replication.
