Microsoft Azure Data FundamentalsDescribe how to work with non-relational data on AzureMedium
A developer needs to quickly provision a NoSQL database for a new prototype application. The application requires a flexible schema and the ability to store JSON documents. The developer wants to use a service that is easy to set up and manage, without worrying about infrastructure. Which Azure non-relational database service is the most suitable for this prototyping phase?
- AAzure Cosmos DB (SQL API)
- BAzure Table Storage
- CAzure SQL Database
- DAzure Virtual Machines with MongoDB installed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API)
Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API) is a fully managed NoSQL document database that natively supports JSON documents and offers a flexible schema. Its ease of provisioning and management, without infrastructure concerns, makes it ideal for prototyping applications requiring these features.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Azure Table Storage is a simple key-value store, while it has a flexible schema, it lacks the rich document model and querying capabilities of a JSON document database, which is often preferred for prototypes with evolving data structures.
- C. Azure SQL Database is a relational database and does not natively support flexible schema or JSON documents as its primary data model, making it less suitable for this NoSQL requirement.
- D. Azure Virtual Machines require manual setup, configuration, and management of the MongoDB instance, which goes against the 'easy to set up and manage, without worrying about infrastructure' requirement.
Azure Cosmos DB (SQL API)
The Azure Cosmos DB SQL API is the core API for Cosmos DB, allowing users to interact with document data (JSON) using a SQL-like query language. It provides a fully managed, globally distributed NoSQL database service.
- Natively stores JSON documents.
- Supports SQL-like query language for documents.
- Offers flexible schema (schema-agnostic).
- Fully managed service, abstracting infrastructure management.
Memory trick: Think 'Cosmos DB SQL API: Quick JSON Prototypes, No Infra Hassle'.