Introduction to NoSQL Databases

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/introduction-to-nosql-databases

Introduction

**Course Review: Introduction to NoSQL Databases on Coursera** In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, data is the lifeblood of businesses and organizations. As the volume and variety of data grow, traditional relational databases can struggle to keep up. This is where NoSQL databases come into play, offering flexibility and scalability for modern applications. For anyone looking to explore the world of NoSQL, the "Introduction to NoSQL Databases" course on Coursera is an excellent starting point. ### Overview The course is designed for beginners, making it exceptionally accessible for those without a deep technical background. It provides a comprehensive introduction to NoSQL databases and Database-as-a-Service (DaaS) options, equipping learners with not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, hands-on skills. With the increasing relevance of NoSQL databases due to the advent of Big Data and agile methodologies, this course effectively addresses contemporary challenges in the database landscape. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introducing NoSQL**: The course begins with foundational concepts, introducing the term NoSQL, which stands for "Not Only SQL." Learners will explore the characteristics and four main categories of NoSQL databases. This module dives into the fundamental differences between the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) and BASE (Basically Available, Soft state, Eventually consistent) consistency models, and explains the CAP theorem. This background is essential for understanding when to leverage RDBMS versus NoSQL. 2. **Introducing MongoDB - An Open-Source NoSQL Database**: MongoDB is one of the most prominent NoSQL databases, and this module prepares you to handle various tasks using it. You'll gain hands-on experience with CRUD operations, indexing, and aggregation, while also exploring critical features like replication and sharding which enable MongoDB to scale effectively and maintain high availability. 3. **Introducing Apache Cassandra - An Open-Source NoSQL Database**: This module focuses on Apache Cassandra, perfect for applications requiring continuous availability and fast scalability. It explains keyspace and table operations and provides practical skills for executing basic tasks in Cassandra. You'll also understand why industry giants like Netflix and Uber choose Cassandra for their data needs. 4. **Introducing IBM Cloudant - A NoSQL DBaaS**: With the rise of cloud computing, Database-as-a-Service solutions like IBM Cloudant are essential. This module discusses Cloudant's architecture and features, giving learners practical experience in managing databases through a user-friendly dashboard. This knowledge is crucial for developing modern web and mobile applications. 5. **Final Project - Working with NoSQL Databases**: The capstone project allows learners to apply all the skills acquired during the course to a specific real-world scenario. This project will be peer-reviewed, ensuring a collaborative and informative learning experience. ### What Makes This Course Stand Out The "Introduction to NoSQL Databases" course stands out for several reasons: - **Hands-On Experience**: The emphasis on practical skills is a significant advantage. By engaging with real databases and executing typical operations, learners can develop their competencies in a low-risk environment. - **Comprehensive Content**: The course covers a wide variety of NoSQL databases, including the popular MongoDB, the scalable Apache Cassandra, and the cloud service IBM Cloudant. This breadth of knowledge ensures that learners leave with a well-rounded understanding of the NoSQL landscape. - **Flexible Learning**: As with most Coursera courses, learners can progress at their own pace, accommodating differing schedules and learning styles. ### Recommendation If you're an aspiring data engineer, software developer, or simply someone interested in data management, I highly recommend enrolling in the "Introduction to NoSQL Databases" course on Coursera. It provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of NoSQL databases in today's data-driven world. The course's well-structured syllabus and hands-on projects make it a valuable resource for anyone aiming to expand their database repertoire. In conclusion, whether you are looking to enhance your resume, transition into a new role, or simply explore the exciting field of NoSQL databases, this course provides a solid foundation for your journey. Enroll today and take the first step towards mastering one of the most vital aspects of modern technology!

Syllabus

Introducing NoSQL

NoSQL means Not only SQL. The term refers to a class of databases that are non-relational in architecture. They have their roots in the open source community. NoSQL databases have become more popular due to the demands of Big Data. In this module, you will learn about the characteristics of NoSQL and the four main categories of NoSQL databases available. You will explore the differences between the ACID and BASE consistency models, the advantages and challenges of distributed systems, and the CAP theorem and its characteristics. You will learn how to decide when to use RDBMS and when to use NoSQL.

MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database. It is easy to access by indexing and supports various data types, including dates and numbers. MongoDB is the most popular NoSQL database today, empowering users to query, manipulate, and find interesting insights from their collected data. It can also be used for a variety of purposes because of the flexibility of storing structured or unstructured data. In this module, you will learn about the characteristics of MongoDB and expand your hands-on working knowledge of MongoDB performing various common tasks including create, read, update, and delete (CRUD) operations, limit and sort records, indexing, and aggregation. You will explore replication and sharding, which are very important concepts in MongoDB. The scale and availability we see with MongoDB is achieved using these two concepts.

Apache Cassandra is an open source database. It is best used by "always available" type of applications that require a database that is always available, that scales fast in situations of high traffic, and is the right choice when you need scalability and high availability without compromising performance. Apache Cassandra is best used by online services like Netflix, Uber, and Spotify. In this module, you will learn about the characteristics of Apache Cassandra. You will also expand your hands-on working knowledge of Cassandra performing various common tasks including using the CQL shell, keyspace operations, table operations, and CRUD operations.

Database-as-a-service (DBaaS) is a popular solution for hybrid multicloud applications. IBM Cloudant is a fully managed DBaaS built on open source Apache CouchDB. Cloudant aims to be the data layer for all your web and mobile applications. In this module, you will find out how simple developing modern web applications is with Cloudant's rich features and JSON document store.​You will explore the architecture of Cloudant as a NoSQL database. You will gain hands-on experience with Cloudant capabilities and key technologies. And you will learn how to use the Cloudant dashboard to create and manage your database.

This module contains the final project for this course. You will consolidate the skills that you learned throughout this course by applying them to a specific scenario. To complete the project successfully, you must demonstrate that you have the skills to perform the tasks outlined. This final project will be graded by your peers.