How to answer this Technical interview question about Databases for Mid-Level Full Stack Developer?

Can you explain the differences between SQL and NoSQL databases and provide examples of when you would use one over the other?

Full Stack Developer

Technical

Asked at

Meta

Difficulty :

Medium

Explanation

This question is designed to test your understanding of database systems, a fundamental skill for full-stack developers. Recruiters want to know if you can differentiate between relational and non-relational databases and understand the scenarios where each would be beneficial. They are also assessing your ability to align technical decisions with business needs. A strong answer would include a clear explanation of the concepts, specific examples of SQL (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra) systems, and real-world use cases. Avoid overly technical jargon without clarification, and ensure your examples highlight your practical experience.

Answer Example

SQL databases are relational and use structured query language for defining and manipulating data. They are ideal for applications needing structured, consistent data and complex queries, such as financial systems or inventory management. NoSQL databases, on the other hand, are non-relational and are schema-less, making them suitable for unstructured or semi-structured data, such as user-generated content or IoT data. For example, I used MySQL for an e-commerce platform to manage product inventory and transactions because of its strong ACID compliance. For a social media app, I implemented MongoDB due to its flexibility in handling diverse data types like images and comments.

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