Wading into NoSQL using MongoDB

NoSQL databases differ from traditional relational database management systems (RDBMS) in that the former does not require fixed schema, avoid join operations, and scale horizontally. NoSQL databases are well suited for distributed data stores involving copious amount of data. For example, users of Google and Facebook generate terabits of day every for their users. These are stored in NoSQL databases that offer superior performance and exceptional reliability and robustness. The term ¿NoSQL¿ was first offered to the public by Carlo Strozzi in 1998. He used this to define an open source light-weight database that did not require nor offer an SQL interface for operations. The term gained subsequent popularity in several events where it began to be discussed, analyzed and made subject of research in academic and industry circles. Notably Eric Evans of Rackspace used the term ¿NoSQL¿ to describe a new kind of database systems that are non-relational and distributed, and yet do not fall in line with the requirements of ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) that are hallmarks of any RDBMS.