Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
3
Interfacing and Interacting
with NoSQL
WHAT'S IN THIS CHAPTER?
How to access the popular NoSQL databases
Examples of data storage in the popular NoSQL stores
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How to query collections in popular NoSQL stores
Introduction to drivers and language bindings for popular NoSQL
databases
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This chapter introduces the essential ways of interacting with NoSQL data stores. The types
of NoSQL stores vary and so do the ways of accessing and interacting with them. The chapter
attempts to summarize a few of the most prominent of these disparate ways of accessing and
querying data in NoSQL databases. By no means is the coverage exhaustive, although it is
fairly comprehensive to get you started on a strong footing.
NoSQL is an evolving technology and its current pace of change is substantial. Therefore,
the ways of interacting with it are evolving as NoSQL stores are used in newer contexts and
interfaced from newer programming languages and technology platforms. So be prepared for
continued learning and look out for possible standardization in the future.
IF NO SQL, THEN WHAT?
A big reason for the popularity of relational databases is their standardized access and query
mechanism using SQL. SQL, short for structured query language, is the language you speak
when talking to relational databases. It involves a simple intuitive syntax and structure
that users become fl uent in within a short period of time. Based on relational algebra, SQL
