Today’s digital environment would not be complete without databases. They offer a method for storing, managing, and retrieving vast volumes of data. They are employed in various undertakings, from modest personal endeavors to complex business systems.

One of the main reasons databases are so significant is that they provide efficient data storage and retrieval. This is important for many applications, including social networking platforms, content management systems, and online marketplaces. It’s hard to imagine a sphere where databases are not being used. Today’s  programs would struggle to handle the massive volumes of data they require to store and analyze without databases, making it impossible for them to operate efficiently. 

Databases became our everyday partners that are present in almost every sphere of our lives, even if we don’t know about them. Every time you register in any system or loyalty program, you add information to a database. 

Databases are also important in enterprise systems. They are used to store and manage data in various systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and supply chain management systems. These systems are critical for businesses to function effectively and efficiently, and without databases, they would not be able to handle the large amounts of data that they need to store and process. So every time you launch your working tool, be sure there’s a database somewhere behind it. You might not work in the IT sector, you might be bad with computers, but databases are all over you, you just don’t realize that. 

In addition to their use in enterprise systems, databases are also used in a wide range of regular user applications. For example, databases are used in mobile apps, web applications, and desktop applications. They provide a way to store and retrieve data in a structured and efficient manner, which is crucial for many applications to function

StackOverflow conducted a large-scale survey in May 2022, which surveyed over 70,000 developers, including both professional developers and those who are still learning. The survey included a variety of questions related to the tools and technologes developers use in their work. One of the questions asked in the survey was about the database management systems that professional developers are currently using. Based on the responses, the survey found that PostgreSQL was the most popular choice among professional developers, with a market share of 46.48%. This was followed by MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB, Microsoft SQL Server, Redis, and MariaDB. It is worth mentioning that the survey also found thфt there were some differnces in the popularity of different databases among professional developers and those who are still learning.

Today we will be looking at what professionals use and try understand why.

PostgreSQL – This is a powerful and versatile open-source database management system that’s known for its high performance and scalability. It supports a wide range of data types and is often used for large, complex projets. Pros of using PostgreSQL include its robust feature set, support for advanced data types, and support for multi-version concurrency control. Cons include a steeper learning curve compared to other systems and a higher resource usage. Market share among professionals is 46.48%.

MySQL – MySQL is a widely used and well-supported relational database management system. It’s known for its stability, reliability, and ease of use. Pros of using MySQL include its low cost of ownership, support for high-concurrncy environments, and ease of use. Cons include a lack of support for some advanced data types and a lower performance compared to other systems. Market share among professionals is 45.68%.

SQLite – SQLite is a lightweight, file-based database that’s often used for small to medium-sized projects, as well as for testing and development purposes. It’s simple to set up and use, and it doesn’t require a separate server. Pros of using SQLite include ist small size and resource usage, and its ease of integration. Cons include a limited feature set compared to other systems and a lack of support for advanced data types. Market share among professionals is 30.83%.

MongoDB – MongoDB is a document-based NoSQL database that’s often used for big data and real-time web applications. It’s known for its scalability and flexibility, and it’s a popular choice for businesses looking to store and process largeamounts of unstructured data. Pros of using MongoDB include its scalability, high performance, and support for advanced data types. Cons include a lack of support for complex joins, a steeper learning curve compared to other systems, and a higher resource usage. Market share among professionals is 28.29%.

Microsoft SQL Server – Microsoft SQL Server is a widely used and well-supported relational database management system that’s often used in large enterprise environments. It’s known for its high performance, scalability, and security. Pros of using Microsoft SQL Server include its robust feature set, support for high-concurrency environments, and support for advanced data types. Cons include a higher cost of ownrship compared to other systems, a steeper learning curve, and a higher resource usage. Market share among professionals is 28.77%.

Redis – Redis is an in-memory data structure store that’s often used for caching and real-time data processing. It’s known for its high performance and low latency. Pros of using Redis include its high performance, suppor for advanced data types, and ease of use. Market share among professionals is 24.97%.

MariaDB – MariaDB is an open-source relational datbase management system that’s a fork of MySQL. It’s known for its compatibility with MySQL and its support for advanced data types. Pros of using MariaDB include its compatibility with MySQL, support for advanced data types, and ease of use. Cons include a lower performance compared to other systems and a lack of support for complex joins. Market share among professionals is 17.91%.