What You’ll Learn in This Article

・Overview of NoSQL
・Strengths, weaknesses, and use cases of various services

Introduction

In recent years, the demand for NoSQL has been increasing. This is because NoSQL is better suited for processing big data compared to relational databases. In this article, we will compare two representative NoSQL databases, **Amazon DynamoDB** and **Google Cloud Firestore**, based on the following criteria:

1. Availability

2. Functionality

3. Backup

4. Data Structure

Let’s begin with an explanation of NoSQL itself.
NoSQL is a term that refers to non-relational databases, which differ from traditional RDBMS ¹. NoSQL databases are designed to handle large-scale and complex data structures, offering excellent scalability and flexibility.
The main types of NoSQL databases include:

・Key-Value Stores

・Document Databases

・Graph Databases

・Column Databases

Key-value stores are databases that store data as key-value pairs. Both the key and value can be of any type, allowing for fast data retrieval and addition.
Document databases store data as documents. These documents are formatted as JSON, XML, or similar text formats, making data addition and modification easy.

Graph databases store data as nodes and edges. Nodes represent data elements, while edges represent relationships between nodes. These databases are suitable for data in social networks, financial transactions, and more.

Column databases store data in columns, which are contained within rows called tuples. These databases are optimized for fast data retrieval and addition.

NoSQL databases are ideal for storing and processing data that traditional RDBMS cannot handle. They are commonly considered for applications dealing with large-scale or complex data structures.

What is Amazon DynamoDB?

Amazon DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service provided by AWS. Unlike traditional RDBMS, DynamoDB pricing is based on throughput rather than data size.
DynamoDB excels in scalability, durability, and availability. It automatically scales, prevents data loss, and ensures high availability.
DynamoDB is used in various applications, including web applications, mobile apps, and IoT applications, making it suitable for handling large-scale data and complex data structures.

What is Google Cloud Firestore?

Google Cloud Firestore is a fully managed NoSQL database service offered by Google Cloud Platform. Firestore is a document-based database that stores JSON documents. It is scalable, durable, and user-friendly.
Like DynamoDB, Firestore is used in a wide range of applications, including web, mobile, and IoT. Furthermore, Firestore integrates seamlessly with other Google Cloud services, such as Cloud Functions, Cloud Storage, and Cloud Pub/Sub.

Comparison

Availability

• DynamoDB automatically replicates data across multiple AZs (Availability Zones) within the same region ².
• Firestore also uses region replication to replicate data across multiple AZs in the same region. For multi-region configurations, data is replicated to at least two different regions. However, multi-region support is limited to regions in Europe and the United States, making it less practical for use in Japan.

While both offer excellent availability, DynamoDB’s automatic replication is more user-friendly.

Functionality

• DynamoDB responds to requests in milliseconds, regardless of dataset size.
• Firestore prioritizes high availability and durability, so it does not provide response times as fast as DynamoDB.

In terms of functionality, DynamoDB is the recommended choice.

Backup

• DynamoDB offers two backup methods. The first uses AWS Backup to back up all tables. The second employs Point-in-Time Recovery, allowing users to restore tables to any state within the past 30 days.
• Firestore requires users to create an import/export workflow using Google DataStore. This workflow is complex and challenging to set up.

For backup options, DynamoDB is more favorable.

Data Structure

• DynamoDB uses a key-value data model, storing data as key-value pairs.
• Firestore is a document database that stores data as JSON documents.

The key-value model of DynamoDB is more basic, making it easier to learn. However, document databases like Firestore offer flexibility in storing complex data structures, making them suitable for advanced designs.

Use Cases

DynamoDB

• Game state and player session data storage

Firestore

• Offline-first applications and real-time applications

Conclusion

This article compared Amazon DynamoDB and Google Cloud Firestore from four perspectives.
In terms of availability, functionality, and backup options, DynamoDB is the preferred choice. However, if you prioritize complex data design, Firestore’s document-based model is advantageous.
Consider starting with DynamoDB to familiarize yourself with NoSQL. Once comfortable, try Firestore for projects requiring complex data designs.

Glossary

⁴ indicates independent content and should remain unchanged.[/efn_note]

1. Short for Relational Database Management System, which links multiple tables in tabular format to allow data relationships.
2. A physical location divided into logical zones for AWS services.
4. Text enclosed in ³