What is NoSQL Database & How to Start Your Tech Career with Must-Have NoSQL Skills in 2023

NoSQL databases have emerged as a powerful alternative to traditional relational databases by addressing the needs of modern applications and handling vast amounts of unstructured and semi-structured data.

NoSQL refers to a type of database management system that does not have features like Structured Query Language (SQL). Such databases are designed to support large volumes of data, support high write and read loads, and offer horizontal scalability. These databases typically allow for more flexibility in data modeling and are well-suited for handling unstructured or semi-structured data.

Below are some popular and the best NoSQL databases:

• Document-oriented databases 
• Key-value stores
• Column-family stores
• Graph databases 

Each type has its unique characteristics and is suited for specific use cases. These databases are often used when a relational database struggles to maintain the required performance, scalability, or flexibility.

The NoSQL databases come in various forms, each designed to address specific data management requirements. In this section, we will explore the above-mentioned 4 popular types of NoSQL databases in detail. 

• Document-Oriented Databases
  Document-oriented databases store data in a semi-structured format, such as JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) or Binary JavaScript Object Notation (BSON), making them ideal for handling hierarchical and complex data structures. 
  
  Some popular document-oriented databases include:
  • MongoDB
    MongoDB is an open-source, cross-platform document database that stores data in a JSON-like format called BSON. It offers high performance, scalability, and availability, making it the best choice for various applications, including content management, real-time analytics, and IoT. 
     
  • Couchbase
    Couchbase is a distributed, document-oriented NoSQL database with low-latency data access and high scalability. It supports JSON documents and offers built-in support for full-text search, real-time analytics, and mobile synchronization.
     
• Key-Value Stores
  Key-value stores are simple and efficient databases that store data as key-value pairs. They offer high performance and are particularly suitable for storing and retrieving simple data structures. 
  
  Some popular key-value stores include:
  • Redis
    It is an open-source database that is used as a database, cache, or message broker. It supports various data structures, such as strings, hashes, lists, and sorted sets, and provides high availability and persistence. Redis is also one of the most popular NoSQL databases.
     
  • Amazon DynamoDB
    It is a managed, serverless key-value and document database provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It offers low-latency data access, high scalability, and automatic partitioning, making it suitable for large-scale applications with massive data volumes and throughput requirements. 
     
• Column-family Stores
  Column-family stores, also known as wide-column stores, store data in columns rather than rows, providing high ‘write and read performance’ and making them ideal for applications with large, distributed datasets.
  
  Some popular column-family stores include:
  • Apache Cassandra
    It is an open-source, distributed, and highly scalable NoSQL database designed to handle huge amounts of data across many commodity servers. It offers high availability, fault tolerance, and tunable consistency, making it a popular choice for applications requiring high write and read performance.
     
  • ScyllaDB
    It is a high-performance, distributed NoSQL database that is fully compatible with Apache Cassandra. It uses a shared-nothing architecture and an asynchronous Input/Output (I/O) model, which allows it to provide low-latency data access and linear scalability. 
     
• Graph Databases
  Graph databases store data in a graph structure, using nodes, edges, and properties to represent and store data. They are designed for efficiently querying and traversing complex relationships, making them ideal for applications dealing with highly interconnected data.
  
  Some popular graph databases include:
  • Neo4j
    Neo4j is an open-source, native graph database that stores data as nodes, relationships, and properties. It offers high performance and scalability, and its powerful query language, Cypher, allows developers to express complex graph traversals and pattern matching easily.
     
  • Amazon Neptune
    Amazon Neptune is a fully managed, purpose-built graph database service provided by AWS. It supports the property graph and the Resource Description Framework (RDF) data model, offering high query performance and scalability. Neptune can be used for various applications, such as knowledge graphs, fraud detection, recommendation engines, and social networking.

Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) have long been the standard for data storage and management. They store data in tables with fixed schemas and access it using SQL. Some key differences between NoSQL databases and traditional RDBMS are:

• Schema Flexibility
  NoSQL databases offer a more flexible schema, enabling easier handling of unstructured or semi-structured data. In contrast, RDBMS requires a predefined schema, making it less adaptable to changes in the data structure.
   
• Scalability
  NoSQL databases provide horizontal scalability, allowing for the distribution of data across multiple nodes or clusters. This enables them to handle massive data volumes and high throughput. On the other hand, RDBMS typically scales vertically, which can become expensive and challenging to manage.
   
• Query Language
  While RDBMS uses SQL, a standardized query language, NoSQL databases often have their query languages or Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This can result in a steeper learning curve but provides more querying and data manipulation flexibility.
   
• ACID versus BASE
  RDBMS adheres to ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties, ensuring transaction integrity and consistency. NoSQL databases often prioritize availability and partition tolerance over consistency, following the BASE (Basically Available, Soft state, Eventual consistency) properties.

The NoSQL databases excel in various scenarios where traditional relational databases might struggle. Some everyday use cases and applications include:

• Big Data Processing
  NoSQL databases can handle vast amounts of data, making them ideal for big data processing and analytics.
   
• Real-time Analytics
  The ability to handle high read and write loads makes NoSQL databases suitable for real-time analytics, where data needs to be ingested and processed quickly.
   
• Content Management and Delivery
  The flexibility of NoSQL databases allows for easy storage and retrieval of various content types, such as text, images, and videos, making them ideal for content management systems and media delivery.
   
• Social Networking and Messaging
  NoSQL databases can efficiently manage the complex relationships between users, their connections, and interactions in social networking and messaging applications.
   
• IoT and Sensor Data
  The high scalability and flexibility of NoSQL databases make them suitable for handling data generated by IoT devices and sensors.
   
• E-commerce and Recommendation Systems
  NoSQL databases can store and process user preferences, browsing history, and other data to provide personalized recommendations and enhance the user experience.

To succeed in the tech industry with NoSQL databases, developing a strong foundation in essential skills is crucial.  Below are some popular NoSQL database courses to consider learning these skills: 

• NoSQL Database Basics by edX
• Understanding NoSQL by Pluralsight
• Learn NoSQL Database Design From Scratch by Eduonix
• NoSQL Concepts by DataCamp
• NoSQL, Big Data, and Spark Foundations Specialization by Coursera

This section will explore the key NoSQL skills you should master, including data modeling, querying, performance optimization, data security, and integration with other technologies.

• Data Modeling and Schema Design
  Developing a deep understanding of data modeling and schema design is critical for working with NoSQL databases. This includes learning how to model and structure data for specific NoSQL database types, such as document-oriented, key-value, column-family, or graph databases. You should also be comfortable handling unstructured and semi-structured data and adapting to evolving data models and requirements.
   
• Querying and Manipulating
  Effective querying and manipulation of NoSQL databases are essential skills for working in this field. This involves mastering the query languages or APIs specific to each NoSQL database, such as MongoDB's query language, Redis commands, or the Cypher query language for Neo4j. Understanding indexing strategies, data aggregation techniques, and complex query patterns are also critical to efficiently accessing and manipulating data in NoSQL databases.
   
• Optimizing Performance and Scalability
  As NoSQL databases are often used to handle large data volumes and high throughput, optimizing performance and scalability is crucial. This includes understanding the database's architecture, tuning configuration settings, and designing data models that ensure efficient data storage and retrieval. You should also be familiar with horizontal scaling, sharding, replication, and other techniques used to distribute data across multiple nodes or clusters, ensuring high performance and availability.
   
• Implementing Data Security and Access Control
  Ensuring data security and implementing access control are essential aspects of working with NoSQL databases. This involves understanding each database's security features and best practices, such as encryption, authentication, and authorization mechanisms. You should also be aware of potential security risks and vulnerabilities specific to NoSQL databases and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
   
• Integrating with Other Technologies
  NoSQL databases often coexist with other technologies in modern applications, making it essential to master the integration of NoSQL databases with other components, such as application servers, caching systems, message queues, and search engines. This involves learning how to design and implement data pipelines, manage data synchronization, and develop APIs for seamless data exchange between NoSQL databases and other systems. Developing proficiency in related technologies, such as containerization and cloud platforms, can further enhance your NoSQL skills and broaden your career opportunities.

NoSQL databases have become increasingly popular across various industries due to their ability to handle large volumes of data, high performance, and flexibility. Some of these are:

• Image Recognition and Character Recognition
  NoSQL databases play a significant role in this industry by managing massive amounts of customer data, product catalogs, and transactional data. 
  
  They enable retailers to offer personalized recommendations, analyze customer behavior, and optimize inventory management. NoSQL skills are highly valuable in this sector, as professionals with these skills can develop and maintain high-performance, scalable e-commerce platforms.
   
• Social Media and Online Platforms
  These platforms generate and store vast amounts of user-generated content, including text, images, videos, and relationships between users.
  
  NoSQL databases are well-suited for handling this complex, interconnected data, providing the necessary scalability and flexibility. Professionals with NoSQL skills can develop and maintain the backend infrastructure of these platforms, ensuring fast and reliable user experiences.
   
• Gaming and Entertainment
  This industry generates massive amounts of user data, such as player profiles, game progress, and in-game transactions. 
  
  NoSQL databases enable game developers to store and manage this data efficiently, providing real-time analytics and user personalization. NoSQL skills are highly sought-after in this industry, as they help in building and maintaining high-performance gaming platforms and services. 
   
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  NoSQL databases are increasingly used in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to manage vast amounts of patient, clinical trial, and genomic data. They provide the flexibility, scalability, and performance required for real-time analytics, patient monitoring, and personalized medicine.
  
  Professionals with NoSQL skills can contribute to the development of innovative healthcare applications and data management solutions.
   
• Finance and Banking
  The finance and banking sector deal with large volumes of transactional data, market data, and customer information. NoSQL databases offer the necessary performance, scalability, and flexibility to manage this data effectively. 
  
  Professionals with NoSQL skills can develop and maintain high-performance financial applications, such as trading platforms, risk management systems, and fraud detection solutions.
   
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Devices
  IoT and smart devices generate massive amounts of sensor data, which must be processed and analyzed in real-time. NoSQL databases provide the necessary scalability and performance to handle this data, enabling real-time analytics, device management, and predictive maintenance.
  
  Professionals with NoSQL skills can develop and maintain the backend infrastructure for IoT platforms, ensuring efficient data management and analysis.

One of the main advantages of learning NoSQL is its versatility and adaptability across various industries. The best NoSQL databases are used in e-commerce, social media, gaming, healthcare, finance, and IoT. By mastering NoSQL skills, you are not limited to a specific industry or niche; this gives you the flexibility to explore different sectors.

Understanding the principles of NoSQL databases helps you develop a deeper understanding of data modeling, performance optimization, and data security, which are valuable skills in the tech industry. Moreover, NoSQL knowledge can complement other skills, such as programming languages, cloud computing, and big data analytics, giving you a well-rounded skillset that can open doors to better job opportunities and career growth.

To gain a solid foundation in NoSQL databases and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers, it is advisable to pursue relevant certifications and courses. There are numerous online platforms offering high-quality NoSQL courses, both free and paid, that you can choose from: 

• Online Courses
  Some of the recommended online courses which you can find on Careervira are:
  • NoSQL, Big Data, and Spark Foundations Specialization by Coursera
    This course teaches learners about the fundamentals of NoSQL databases, big data concepts, and the use of Apache Spark for data processing. By completing this specialization, students will acquire hands-on experience in designing, building, and querying NoSQL databases and developing data processing pipelines using Apache Spark.
     
  • NoSQL Database Basics by edX
    This course provides learners with an introduction to NoSQL databases and their key concepts. Through this course, students will gain a solid understanding of NoSQL data models, query languages, and database management techniques, equipping them with essential skills for working with NoSQL databases in various applications.
     
  • Understanding NoSQL by Pluralsight
    This course offers a comprehensive overview of NoSQL databases, their types, and use cases. Learners will explore the differences between NoSQL and traditional relational databases and gain practical knowledge on selecting the appropriate NoSQL database for specific data management needs in diverse applications.
     
  • Learn NoSQL Database Design From Scratch by Eduonix
    This course teaches users how to design and implement NoSQL databases effectively. Students will gain practical experience in creating NoSQL data models, designing schemas, and mastering essential NoSQL querying and data manipulation techniques to build scalable and efficient database solutions.
     
  • NoSQL Concepts by DataCamp
    This course provides a solid foundation in NoSQL databases, covering key principles, data modeling, and querying techniques. Through this course, learners will gain the necessary skills to work with various NoSQL databases, understand their advantages, and employ them effectively in real-world applications.

• Professional Certifications
  Pursuing professional certifications to learn popular NoSQL databases can help validate your skills and speed up your employability. Some of the certifications you can consider include:
  • MongoDB Certified Developer and MongoDB Certified DBA
    This course teaches learners about the fundamentals of NoSQL databases, big data concepts, and the use of Apache Spark for data processing. By completing this specialization, students will acquire hands-on experience in designing, building, and querying NoSQL databases and developing data processing pipelines using Apache Spark.
     
  • DataStax Apache Cassandra Certification
    DataStax offers certifications for Apache Cassandra, including the DataStax Certified Developer and DataStax Certified Administrator. These certifications require passing an exam that covers Cassandra concepts, data modeling, querying, and administration.
     
  • Redis Certified Developer
    The Redis Certified Developer certification, offered by Redis Labs, validates your knowledge of Redis data structures, commands, and best practices. To earn this certification, you need to pass an online exam that tests your understanding of Redis concepts and usage.
     
  • Neo4j Certified Professional
    The Neo4j Certified Professional certification demonstrates your expertise in working with Neo4j graph databases. To earn this certification, you must pass an online exam that covers Neo4j data modeling, querying using the Cypher query language, and database administration.

Acquiring theoretical knowledge through courses and certifications is essential. However, gaining practical experience is equally crucial to solidify your NoSQL skills and help you stand out in the job market.

This section will discuss several ways to gain hands-on NoSQL experience, including building personal projects, contributing to open-source projects, and participating in hackathons and coding competitions.

• Building Personal Projects
  The effective way to gain practical NoSQL experience is by building personal projects that use NoSQL databases. These projects can range from simple web applications and APIs to more complex data-driven applications, depending on your interests and skill level. 
  
  Building personal projects allows you to apply the concepts you have learned in courses and certifications and reinforce your understanding of NoSQL databases and their real-world applications. Additionally, showcasing these projects in your portfolio can help demonstrate your NoSQL expertise to potential employers.
   
• Contributing to Open-source NoSQL Projects
  Contributing to open-source NoSQL projects is another excellent way to gain practical experience and improve your NoSQL skills. Many popular NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB, Cassandra, and Redis, have open-source communities where you can contribute by fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving documentation.
  
  This provides valuable hands-on experience and helps you connect with other professionals to learn from their expertise and potentially receive mentorship. Moreover, open-source contributions can be a great addition to your resume, demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning and collaboration.
   
• Participating in Hackathons and Coding Competitions
  Hackathons and coding competitions are events where developers and tech enthusiasts come together to build innovative solutions, often within a short timeframe. Participating in these events can be a fantastic way to gain practical NoSQL experience while working under pressure and collaborating with others. 
  
  These events often have specific themes or challenges, which can help you explore new use cases and applications for NoSQL databases. Additionally, participating in hackathons and coding competitions can help you expand your professional network, develop your teamwork and problem-solving skills, and potentially win prizes or recognition for your work. 

Professionals with NoSQL skills are in high demand, and this demand is often reflected in the salaries they draw. Here, we provide an overview of the salary ranges for NoSQL professionals in the United States, India, and the United Kingdom.

The salary data provided here is based on information available on top job sites like Payscale, Glassdoor, etc. and can change over time. The actual salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and company size.

The demand for NoSQL professionals has grown significantly in recent years, with more companies recognizing the benefits of NoSQL databases for handling complex data management tasks. This can be attributed to the growing need for scalable and flexible database solutions to handle the exponential growth in data generated by modern applications, IoT devices, and big data careers. 

Companies in various industries, including e-commerce, social media, finance, and healthcare, are increasingly turning to NoSQL databases to manage their data effectively. Let us go through some statistics that reveal this trend.

• According to a 2018 Dice Report on tech job trends, NoSQL skills were ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing skills in demand by employers, with a 54% increase in demand year-over-year.
   
• A study by Burning Glass Technologies in 2019 revealed that NoSQL was among the most in-demand big data skills, with a 38% growth rate in job postings between 2014 and 2019.
   
• Data from Indeed, a job search platform, shows that between 2015 and 2020, there was a steady increase in job postings for positions requiring NoSQL skills, such as data engineers, backend developers, and database administrators.

The NoSQL job market is expected to continue growing in the coming years. As more organizations adopt NoSQL databases to handle their data management needs, the demand for skilled professionals in this area will likely increase.

Furthermore, the ongoing development and adoption of new NoSQL databases and advancements in existing ones contribute to the growth of the NoSQL job market:

• According to MarketsandMarkets, the global NoSQL market was valued at $4.2 billion in 2020 and is projected at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.1% from 2020 to 2025, reaching $10.6 billion by 2025. This growth in the NoSQL market is likely to drive increased demand for professionals with expertise in this area.
   
• In a 2020 report, Allied Market Research estimated that the global NoSQL market would reach $22.8 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 32.1% from 2020 to 2027. This rapid market expansion is expected to fuel a growing need for skilled NoSQL professionals across various industries.

There are various job roles where NoSQL skills are in high demand. Some of the most sought-after positions requiring NoSQL expertise include:

• Database Administrator (DBA)
  DBAs manage and maintain NoSQL databases and ensure data integrity, availability, and security. They may also be involved in performance tuning, backup and recovery, and capacity planning.
   
• Data Engineer
  Data Engineers work with large datasets and are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines, often using NoSQL databases to store and process data.
   
• Backend Developer
  Backend Developers create the server-side logic for web applications, APIs, and other services. They often use NoSQL databases to store and manage application data, leveraging their scalability and flexibility to handle complex data relationships.
   
• Big Data Developer
  Big Data Developers work with massive datasets to build data processing systems, often using NoSQL databases to manage and query data at scale.
   
• Data Architect
  Data Architects design and implement data management solutions, including selecting the appropriate database technologies. Their role often involves evaluating and implementing NoSQL databases to meet specific data storage and access requirements.

In this increasingly data-driven world, NoSQL databases have emerged as a vital tool for handling diverse and complex data management challenges. As a result, professionals with NoSQL skills are in high demand across various industries.

Investing in NoSQL skills can significantly contribute to a successful tech career. By mastering NoSQL databases, you can:

• Tap into the growing demand for professionals with expertise in NoSQL databases, increasing your employability and value in the job market.
   
• Work with diverse and complex datasets, addressing modern data management challenges and contributing to innovative solutions.
   
• Enhance your versatility as a tech professional, as NoSQL skills are applicable across various industries, such as e-commerce, social media, healthcare, and finance.
   
• Improve your problem-solving abilities by learning how to design scalable and flexible database solutions, equipping you with the skills to tackle a wide range of data-related challenges.

As the tech landscape is constantly evolving, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments is crucial to be successful. As a professional having NoSQL skills, it is essential to:

• Keep an eye on new and emerging NoSQL databases and technologies and updates to existing ones; to know about the latest tools and best practices.
   
• Continuously improve your NoSQL skills by participating in online forums, attending conferences, and engaging with the developer community. This will help you stay aware of industry trends and gain insights from other professionals in the field.
   
• Pursue ongoing education and training through courses, certifications, and workshops to maintain and expand your NoSQL skillset.
   
• Stay informed about the broader data management landscape, including complementary technologies such as big data processing frameworks, data integration tools, and data visualization platforms, to further enhance your capabilities as a tech professional.

By investing in NoSQL skills and staying up-to-date with industry trends, you can position yourself for a thriving tech career and contribute to the future of data management.