Cassandra vs MongoDB - Differences

When it comes to NoSQL databases, two of the most well-known names are Cassandra and MongoDB. Both databases are designed to handle large amounts of data with high performance and scalable architecture. However, there are some significant differences between these two databases, which this page will discuss.

Syntax

As Cassandra and MongoDB are both NoSQL databases, they use different syntax compared to traditional relational databases. The syntax used depends on the specific driver being used with each database.

Example

Here are some example differences between Cassandra and MongoDB:

// Cassandra
CREATE TABLE users (
    user_id uuid,
    username text,
    email text,
    age int,
    PRIMARY KEY (user_id)
);

// MongoDB
db.createCollection("users");
db.users.insertOne({
    "user_id": ObjectId("507f191e810c19729de860ea"),
    "username": "JohnDoe",
    "email": "johndoe@email.com",
    "age": 35
});

Output

The output of queries and operations depends on the specific driver being used with each database.

Explanation

One of the main differences between Cassandra and MongoDB is their data modeling approach. Cassandra uses a columnar key-value model, while MongoDB uses a document-based model. Document-based databases allow for more flexible data models, while columnar databases offer faster read and write times for dense data. Additionally, Cassandra was designed with availability and partition tolerance as its top priority, while MongoDB focuses on consistency and flexibility.

Another major difference is the query language they use. Cassandra uses CQL (Cassandra Query Language), which is similar to SQL, while MongoDB uses a JSON-based query language. In terms of indexing, Cassandra relies on manual indexing, while MongoDB has automatic indexing.

Use

Choosing which NoSQL database to use depends on the specific needs of your project. Cassandra is generally a good choice for applications that require high availability and partition tolerance, while MongoDB is a good fit for projects that require more flexible data models.

Important Points

• Cassandra uses a columnar key-value model, while MongoDB uses a document-based model.
• Cassandra focuses on availability and partition tolerance, while MongoDB focuses on consistency and flexibility.
• Cassandra uses CQL as its query language, while MongoDB uses a JSON-based query language.
• Cassandra requires manual indexing, while MongoDB has automatic indexing.

Summary

In this page, we discussed the main differences between Cassandra and MongoDB, two popular NoSQL databases. We covered the differences in their data modeling approach, query languages, and indexing methods. By understanding these key differences, you can choose the best NoSQL database for your specific project needs.