Microsoft Azure Data FundamentalsDescribe how to work with non-relational data on AzureEasy
A developer is creating an application that requires a simple key-value store to maintain user preferences and application settings. The data is structured but does not require complex queries or relationships, and cost-effectiveness is a primary concern. The solution needs to handle a moderate volume of reads and writes. Which Azure non-relational service is the most appropriate?
- AAzure Blob Storage
- BAzure Cosmos DB (SQL API)
- CAzure Table Storage
- DAzure Data Lake Storage Gen2
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Azure Table Storage
Azure Table Storage is a cost-effective NoSQL key-value store that provides structured data storage with a flexible schema. It's ideal for scenarios like user preferences or application settings where simple queries and low cost are prioritized over complex relationships or advanced indexing capabilities.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Azure Blob Storage is for unstructured binary data, not for structured key-value pairs like user preferences.
- B. Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) is a powerful, globally distributed document database, but it would be overkill and more expensive for a simple key-value store with moderate volume and primary cost-effectiveness.
- D. Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 is for big data analytics and data lakes, not for operational key-value storage of application settings.
Azure Table Storage
Azure Table Storage is a NoSQL key-value store that allows you to store large amounts of structured, non-relational data with a flexible schema. It is a highly scalable and cost-effective service.
- Cost-effective for large datasets.
- Flexible schema (schema-on-read).
- Supports simple queries based on primary key and partition key.
- Ideal for storing web application data, address books, device information, and other metadata.
Memory trick: Think 'Table Storage: Cheap Keys, Simple Values, No Complex Queries'.