| Feature | SQL (Relational) | NoSQL (Non-Relational) |
|---|---|---|
| Schema | Fixed, predefined schema | Flexible, schema-less |
| Scalability | Vertical (adding more CPU/RAM) | Horizontal (adding more servers) |
| Data Model | Tables, rows, columns | Key-value, document, column-family, graph |
| Query Language | SQL (Structured Query Language) | Varies (APIs, JSON queries, etc.) |
| Joins & Relationships | Strong support for relational joins | Not designed for complex joins |
| Performance | Optimized for structured data | Optimized for unstructured, high-speed data |