Apache Cassandra

Website

cassandra.apache.org

Categories

#Databases #NoSQL Databases #Relational Databases #Big Data

OrbitDB

Website

github.com

Categories

#Databases #Relational Databases #NoSQL Databases #Network & Admin

Apache Cassandra features and specs

• Scalability
  Apache Cassandra is designed for linear scalability and can handle large volumes of data across many commodity servers without a single point of failure.
• High Availability
  Cassandra ensures high availability by replicating data across multiple nodes. Even if some nodes fail, the system remains operational.
• Performance
  It provides fast writes and reads by using a peer-to-peer architecture, making it highly suitable for applications requiring quick data access.
• Flexible Data Model
  Cassandra supports a flexible schema, allowing users to add new columns to a table at any time, making it adaptable for various use cases.
• Geographical Distribution
  Data can be distributed across multiple data centers, ensuring low-latency access for geographically distributed users.
• No Single Point of Failure
  Its decentralized nature ensures there is no single point of failure, which enhances resilience and fault-tolerance.

Possible disadvantages of Apache Cassandra

• Complexity
  Managing and configuring Cassandra can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and skills for optimal performance.
• Eventual Consistency
  Cassandra follows an eventual consistency model, meaning that there might be a delay before all nodes have the latest data, which may not be suitable for all use cases.
• Write-heavy Operations
  Although Cassandra handles writes efficiently, write-heavy workloads can lead to compaction issues and increased read latency.
• Limited Query Capabilities
  Cassandra's query capabilities are relatively limited compared to traditional RDBMS, lacking support for complex joins and aggregations.
• Maintenance Overhead
  Regular maintenance tasks such as node repair and compaction are necessary to ensure optimal performance, adding to the administrative overhead.
• Tooling and Ecosystem
  While the ecosystem for Cassandra is growing, it is still not as extensive or mature as those for some other database technologies.

OrbitDB features and specs

• Decentralization
  OrbitDB is a peer-to-peer database system built on top of IPFS, meaning it does not rely on a central server. This enhances data availability and resilience against censorship.
• Offline-first Operation
  Since OrbitDB is built on IPFS, it can operate without a constant connection to the internet, allowing data access and changes even when offline.
• Versioning and Immutability
  It provides built-in support for versioning and immutability of data, ensuring that historical records can be maintained and easily accessed.
• Eventual Consistency
  OrbitDB uses eventual consistency, which means all nodes will eventually reach the same data state. This is suitable for applications tolerant to eventual consistency rather than immediate data consistency.
• Community and Open Source
  As an open-source project, OrbitDB benefits from community contributions and transparency, allowing for improved security, auditing, and flexibility in modifications.

Possible disadvantages of OrbitDB

• Complex Synchronization
  Handling data consistency and synchronization in a decentralized manner can be complex, which may result in increased development and maintenance efforts.
• Performance Overhead
  Running on a peer-to-peer network can introduce performance overhead due to factors like data propagation delays and potential network instability.
• Limited Ecosystem Support
  Compared to more established databases, OrbitDB has a more limited ecosystem of tools and integrations, potentially requiring more custom development work.
• Learning Curve
  Developers may face a steeper learning curve due to the decentralized nature and unique characteristics of OrbitDB and IPFS.
• Eventual Consistency Trade-offs
  While eventual consistency can be a pro, it also means that applications requiring strict immediate consistency could face challenges when using OrbitDB.

Course Intro | DS101: Introduction to Apache Cassandra™

More videos:

On Telemetry for InterPlanetary Systems (OrbitDB + IPFS)