Nosql Questions Medium
In NoSQL databases, horizontal and vertical scaling are two different approaches to handle increasing data loads and improve performance.
Horizontal scaling, also known as scaling out, involves adding more machines or nodes to the database system. This means distributing the data across multiple servers, allowing for increased storage capacity and improved read and write performance. In this approach, each node in the system is responsible for a subset of the data, and they work together to handle the workload. Horizontal scaling is achieved by adding more servers to the cluster, which can be done by simply adding commodity hardware. It provides better fault tolerance and high availability as the system can continue to function even if some nodes fail. However, it may introduce more complexity in terms of data consistency and synchronization between nodes.
On the other hand, vertical scaling, also known as scaling up, involves increasing the resources (such as CPU, memory, or storage) of a single machine or node in the database system. This approach focuses on improving the performance of a single server by enhancing its capabilities. Vertical scaling is achieved by upgrading the hardware of the server, such as adding more RAM or increasing the processing power. It allows for better performance in terms of handling larger data sets and more complex queries. However, there is a limit to how much a single machine can be scaled vertically, and it can become expensive to continuously upgrade the hardware.
In summary, horizontal scaling involves adding more machines to distribute the data and workload, while vertical scaling involves enhancing the resources of a single machine. Both approaches have their advantages and considerations, and the choice between them depends on the specific requirements and constraints of the application and the database system.