The Long Debate: Which Database is the Best?

Which Database is the Best ?

As developers we often fall pray to be biased the technology we use. Android vs iOS, Java vs DotNet, this technology vs that technology and so on. Well the debate on database is no different. While deployment and planning of Enterprise Data Warehouses, we are often asked which database is the best. There’s no cut and dry answer but if are not cognizant the need for the EDW for them we would not be honest about the work we are doing. This article is not about showing a database is better than the other but rather uses case in which one fits better than the other. We would be comparing the two most used databases in consulting MSSQL and PostgreSQL.

Before that a quick fact: Which is the most widely used database in world?

As of 2021, the most widely used database management system in the world is Oracle Database, developed by Oracle Corporation. Oracle Database is a relational database management system that is used in a wide range of applications, from small to large enterprise systems. It is known for its scalability, security, and reliability, and is used by many major companies and organizations around the world.

Advantages of MSSQL over PostgreSQL :

Both Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) and PostgreSQL are powerful relational database management systems (RDBMS) with their own unique features and advantages. Here are some advantages of MSSQL over PostgreSQL:

1. Integration with Microsoft technologies: MSSQL is developed and supported by Microsoft, which means it is well integrated with other Microsoft technologies such as .NET, SharePoint, and Visual Studio. This can make it easier to work with if you’re already using Microsoft technologies in your organization.
2. Better performance for certain workloads: MSSQL is often considered to have better performance for certain types of workloads, such as those involving large-scale enterprise applications, data warehousing, and business intelligence. MSSQL also has better support for high availability and disaster recovery features than PostgreSQL.
3. More user-friendly tools: MSSQL has a wide range of user-friendly tools and interfaces, such as SQL Server Management Studio and SQL Server Data Tools, which can make it easier to manage and develop databases. Additionally, MSSQL has better support for graphical data visualization tools.
4. More advanced security features: MSSQL has more advanced security features than PostgreSQL, such as transparent data encryption, row-level security, and dynamic data masking.
5. Better technical support: Because MSSQL is a commercial product with a licensing fee, it comes with a more comprehensive technical support package than PostgreSQL, including online documentation, forums, and paid support options.

Advantages of PostgreSQL over MSSQL:

PostgreSQL is a powerful open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that offers several advantages over Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL). Here are some advantages of PostgreSQL over MSSQL:

1. Open-source and free: PostgreSQL is an open-source database that is completely free to use, distribute, and modify. This can make it a more cost-effective option for small businesses or organizations with limited budgets.
2. Better compatibility with non-Microsoft technologies: While MSSQL is well integrated with Microsoft technologies, PostgreSQL is more compatible with a wider range of technologies and programming languages, such as Java, Python, and PHP.
3. Strong support for advanced data types: PostgreSQL has robust support for advanced data types, including arrays, hstore, and JSON. This can be particularly useful for applications that require complex data structures.
4. Highly extensible: PostgreSQL has a wide range of extensions and plugins available that can add additional functionality to the database system. This makes it a more flexible and customizable option than MSSQL.
5. Better support for concurrency: PostgreSQL is known for its strong support for concurrency, making it a good choice for applications that require high levels of concurrent access. This can be particularly important for applications that handle a large volume of user requests.
6. More standards-compliant: PostgreSQL is more standards-compliant than MSSQL, meaning it adheres more closely to the ANSI SQL standard. This can make it easier to migrate applications between different database systems.

Which is the best database in terms of performance:

The best database in terms of performance can depend on the specific use case, workload, and system configuration. However, there are some databases that are known for their high performance in certain areas:

1. Oracle Database: Oracle Database is known for its high performance, scalability, and reliability, and is often used in large enterprise applications that require high throughput and low latency.
2. Microsoft SQL Server: Microsoft SQL Server is designed to handle large-scale enterprise workloads, with features such as in-memory processing and columnstore indexes that can boost performance for certain types of queries.
3. PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL is known for its strong support for concurrency and its ability to handle complex data types, making it a good choice for applications that require high levels of concurrent access and data processing.
4. MySQL: MySQL is a popular open-source database that is often used in web applications, with a focus on performance and ease of use. It supports a variety of storage engines that can be optimized for different types of workloads.
5. MongoDB: MongoDB is a NoSQL document-oriented database that is designed for high availability and scalability, with features such as sharding and replica sets that can improve performance for distributed applications.

Ultimately, the best database for performance will depend on the specific requirements of your application and the workload you need to handle. It’s important to benchmark and test different databases in your specific environment to determine which one performs best for your needs.