NoSQL databases (aka non-relational databases) come with both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, they are more scalable than traditional relational databases and can store a variety of formats. Additionally, they are easy to use, and their flexibility can speed up development, especially in a cloud computing environment. NoSQL databases were developed as a […]
A SQL Server Solution That Developers Should Know
Microsoft SQL Server is a critical database server for software developers, helping to store and retrieve data that other software applications request. That’s why SQL Server developers are in such high demand – and command average salaries close to six figures. Yet while SQL Server remains a go-to relational database management system, it has some significant […]
The Data Engineer’s Roadmap
Data engineering is a fascinating and fulfilling career – you are at the helm of every business operation that requires data, and as long as users generate data, businesses will always need data engineers. In other words, job security is guaranteed. But, with such great power comes great responsibility. The journey to becoming a successful data engineer […]
A Guide to Time Series Databases
Time series databases (or TSDBs) are databases that have been optimized for processing time series data. Time series data is made up of data records that are indexed using timestamps. The timestamps provide a reference for each of the data records and show how they relate to one another in time. An example of time […]
When and Why to Use SQL for Database Analysis
As the world begins to generate more data than ever before, a range of tools has been created that help to deal directly with the rising tide. The market for products and tools that help us deal with data is on a rising trajectory, predicted to reach $103 billion by 2027. One of the leading methods […]
Data Modeling 101
Data Modeling creates a visual representation of a data system as a whole or as parts of it. The goal is to communicate the kinds of data being used and saved within the system. A data model should also show the data’s relationships, how the data can be organized, and the formats used. A data model can […]
Say Hello to Graph Normal Form (GNF)
You thought you knew all normal forms? (And possibly also some abnormal …) Well, think again: There is also “graph normal form (GNF).” The diagram below is a fifth normal form graph concept model, which is just a few steps from GNF, so hang on: Where GNF comes from GNF is based on serious mathematics, […]
How to Become a DataOps Engineer
DataOps engineers are responsible for designing the data assembly line that allows data engineers and data scientists to gain insight from their analytics and research. DataOps engineers use processes and technologies to improve the speed and quality of projects being worked on. The DataOps philosophy can transform data teams, resulting in smaller development times, improved […]
12 Benefits of Data Sharing via APIs
Data sharing is a hot topic. Multiple analysts and consultancies have been featuring data sharing as one of the key enablers to successful business partnerships and accelerated growth. Both Gartner and McKinsey have good articles; indeed, Gartner boldly claims that “data and analytics leaders who share data externally generate three times more measurable economic benefit than those who do […]
What Kinds of Data Languages Will We Need in the Future?
IBM had a pole position on the Database Management Systems (DBMS) market by developing “DL/I” in the 1960s as a means for defining and using hierarchical databases. Under the product names of DL/I and IMS (Information Management System) this dominated the database market for many years. Everybody, except for IBM followers, called the product “D-L-1,” […]