Choosing the right database for your web application development is one of the most critical technology decisions any engineering team makes. Analysts report that by 2025, global web traffic will reach 4.1 zettabytes annually, driving demand for databases that provide speed, scalability, and flexibility.
Leaders for modern web apps include MongoDB for its document-based NoSQL model, PostgreSQL for its reliability and extensibility, and Redis for its in-memory caching and messaging. The database market is projected to reach $71.6 billion by 2026.
With intensifying web workloads, developers need to evaluate key criteria like performance benchmarks, integrations, and community support to select an optimal database for their web apps.
In this guide, we’ll examine the leading web application database options and how they compare across key criteria. Whether building a simple CRUD app or a complex real-time platform, selecting the best database for your needs is vital.
Web Application Databases: An Introduction
A web application database manages the storage and retrieval of data for a web app through database queries, API calls, and other CRUD (create, read, update, delete) operations. Designed to be accessed by multiple users concurrently, these databases can be built using SQL or NoSQL models.
SQL databases structure data in tables with predefined schemas and relationships, like MySQL and PostgreSQL. NoSQL databases use more flexible data models like documents or key values, as seen in MongoDB and Redis.
While SQL databases maintain tighter consistency and structure, NoSQL options better handle rapidly evolving, unstructured data. The use case and data types drive which database class makes the most sense.
Also Read: Web App Development: A Guide for Business Owners and CEOs
10 Best Web Applications Database Picks for 2024
#1 MySQL
MySQL is the most popular open-source relational database used in web applications globally. Owned by Oracle, MySQL boasts over 100 million installations worldwide. Its ubiquity makes hiring MySQL developers easy.
MySQL handles SQL queries, transaction processing, and multithreaded operations reliably and efficiently. Row-level locking and a mature query optimizer provide good performance. MySQL supports stored procedures and functions for complex logic. Integrations like MySQL Workbench simplify administration.
Due to its longevity and popularity, MySQL works seamlessly with virtually all web frameworks like Node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby on Rails and Java. Major sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Spotify all use MySQL.
#2 MongoDB
As a document-based NoSQL database, MongoDB represents data as flexible JSON documents rather than tables. This model maps nicely to code objects for developer efficiency. MongoDB is designed for high scalability and performance.
Other benefits include secondary indexes, powerful aggregation pipelines, native search capabilities, and tunable consistency controls. Easy horizontal scaling accommodates massive workloads. MongoDB works well for handling user session data, real-time analytics, and multimedia content.
MongoDB has over 20 million downloads and thousands of technology partnerships. It remains the most popular NoSQL database for web apps. Companies using MongoDB span Uber, eBay, Tencent, and The New York Times.
#3 PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database highly extensible through custom data types, operators, aggregates and functions. It complies fully with ACID principles for reliability even under heavy workloads.
Performance tuning features like cost-based optimizers, asynchronous replication, nested transactions and advanced indexing result in efficient query response times. PostgreSQL supports unlimited row sizes, and database sizes up to 32TB. Stored procedures can execute complex logic in the database itself.
Popular sites running PostgreSQL include Reddit, Fujitsu, Cisco, and the US Census Bureau. Its reputation for stability, standards compliance, and proven enterprise scalability continues growing PostgreSQL adoption.
#4 Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SQL Server is a proven enterprise-grade database that combines high availability, top-tier security, and rich tooling. Integrated reporting, business intelligence and machine learning round out the feature set.
SQL Server supports mission-critical applications with capabilities like log shipping, database mirroring, snapshot isolation, and always-on availability groups. Encryption and role-based permissions keep data secure.
The SQL Server ecosystem provides development tools like Visual Studio, Power BI, and Azure cloud services. SQL Server powers mainstream sites like Stack Overflow, UPS, and Dell. Both Windows and Linux deployments are supported.
#5 Redis
Redis is an in-memory data store used primarily for caching, message queuing, and streaming. It supports data structures like strings, hashes, lists and sets accessed through intuitive commands. Redis prioritizes speed, with ultra-fast operations in the microseconds.
Redis works great for transient application data like session information, cached content, and query results. Durability is configurable through disk snapshots. Pub/sub messaging and Lua scripting provide advanced capabilities.
Major sites using Redis include Pinterest, Snapchat, Twitter, Stack Overflow, and Github. Its simplicity, performance and distribution capabilities make Redis a versatile database complement.
#6 Cassandra
Created by Facebook, Cassandra is a distributed NoSQL database designed from the ground up for high scalability across nodes. A peer-to-peer architecture provides continuous availability with no single point of failure.
Data is distributed among nodes via consistent hashing. Tunable consistency levels allow for fast writes and strongly consistent reads when needed. Cassandra handles big datasets and high user loads effortlessly.
From Facebook and Netflix to Instagram and eBay, Cassandra drives some of the highest-traffic sites. Its linear scalability and resilience make Cassandra well-suited for web-scale applications.
#7 Oracle Database
Oracle Database is an enterprise-grade relational database that powers critical applications across every industry and government. A rich feature set combines reliability, high performance, and security, suitable even for heavily regulated or high-value data.
Advanced tuning, compression, in-memory caching, partitioning, and parallel query execution ensure optimal speed. Oracle provides instant scalability and availability through Multitenant, RAC, and Data Guard capabilities.
Premier capabilities, from financial services to retail, make Oracle a common choice for top brands, including Visa, Chevron, UPS, and Nikon. Robust security and rock-solid stability bring peace of mind.
#8 SQLite
SQLite is a lightweight SQL database engine for simpler web apps that don’t require massive concurrency or scale. It is contained within a single portable C library around 350 KiB in size. SQLite requires zero configuration and stores data in a single disk file.
SQLite supports the full SQL 92 standard and works great as an embedded database for desktop apps or simple CRUD functionality in a website. It is ACID compliant with very fast queries based on in-process memory access. The simplicity and compactness of SQLite make it an easy choice for basic database needs.
#9 IBM Db2
IBM Db2 is a high-performance SQL database optimized to handle mixed workloads and big data analytics. It provides data warehousing, business intelligence, and machine learning capabilities all in one platform.
Db2 supports advanced data security and privacy features like data masking, encryption, and ethically handling AI. Self-tuning and automation features like AI-driven optimization reduce administrative overhead. Db2 provides scalability and availability by leveraging parallel processing.
Major Db2 customers include Deutsche Bank, BMW, Honda, and Lufthansa. For data-intensive web apps, Db2 provides enterprise-grade capabilities.
#10 MariaDB
MariaDB is an open-source relational database that offers a drop-in replacement for MySQL with added benefits. Developed by the MariaDB Foundation, its performance and scalability exceed MySQL for modern infrastructure.
MariaDB expands the data types supported, including JSON, geospatial and time-series. Advanced clustering, replication and backup capabilities provide resilience and scaling. Pluggable storage engines let developers optimize for different use cases.
Major users of MariaDB include Deutsche Bank, ServiceNow, Google and Mozilla. MariaDB meets the reliability needs of enterprises while remaining free and open source.
Choosing the Ideal Database
When selecting among these leading web application databases, key factors include performance benchmarks, community support, available integrations, ability to handle required data volumes and transaction speeds, and ease of administration.
The patterns of reads versus writes required uptime and level of security also help determine the ideal database for an application’s needs. Ultimately, leveraging the strengths of multiple databases where appropriate provides the versatility needed for most modern, data-driven web platforms.
To Wrap It Up
The data storage and handling demands of web applications continue to grow exponentially. By understanding the core capabilities of databases like MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and others, developers can adopt the right solutions. The top 10 databases explored here provide proven tools to meet web application data challenges now and into the future.
Consider factors such as data structure, scalability, performance, ease of use, community support, and integration with your preferred development stack. Additionally, evaluate the hosting options available, such as self-hosting, cloud-based solutions like AWS or Google Cloud, or managed database services.
Keep in mind that this list represents a snapshot of the top databases for web applications in 2024, and the technology landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about emerging technologies and evaluate new databases as they gain popularity and maturity.
Ultimately, the key to selecting the right database is understanding your application’s requirements, projected growth, and the trade-offs you are willing to make. By carefully considering these factors and exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each database, you can make an informed decision that sets your web application up for success in 2024 and beyond.
If you are looking for expert assistance in selecting and implementing the best database for your web application, our experienced team of professionals is here to help. Contact us today to leverage our expertise and ensure the optimal database solution for your web application’s success in the dynamic digital landscape.
