Do you have the capability to utilize an in-memory Database? - (r)

Nov 3, 2022

Data written to databases can cause the delay since databases generally record data on disks instead of saving the information within memory. The standard practice for databases is to employ encryption and compression in order to reduce latency while writing or reading data. To address this issue it is possible to utilize an in-memory database for fast retrieval of information and data storage instead of disk.

This article explains the way in-memory databases function, some common options, and certain trade-offs that are made compared to the standard database.

What Are In-Memory Databases?

The cost of low latency comes from the fact that the information saved in memory may be deleted if a server malfunctions. As opposed to disk storage, memory doesn't retain its data after power loss so it's a matter of the ability to withstand energy loss in comparison to speed.

It is crucial to reduce latency for web pages. People who think that the website is responsive are more likely to remain on the site. Furthermore, Google and other search engines additionally consider site speed as an element with regards to SEO. Speedy websites are more prominent on search results, which increases your chance of having visitors to visit your website.

Learning about Databases within Memory

Because in-memory databases store data inside RAM. They have far lower latency than HDDs. HDD, which uses moving mechanical and electrical components to get the right location of the storage. The HDD must then read information and then transfer it to the computer via the interface between the storage device and the computer. Moreover, even with SSDs the RAM will be approximately 30% better than other databases because of its more performant memory chips and processor interface. Certain benchmarking tests have demonstrated that the use of MySQL combined with Redis -- known as a memory-based databaseused as a caching layer may reduce the query time by up to 25% compared to an individual MySQL database.

A graph representing the number of requests with only MySQL and with both MySQL Redis.
Benchmarks using only MySQL or MySQL and Redis. (Image Source: DZone)

The second reason is why the in-memory database runs faster than. There is the potential to improve the structure of data used by in-memory databases to speed up retrieval. In particular, the majority of relational databases use B-trees as indexes that allow fast searches. They also allow for writing and reading massive data blocks to disk. In-memory databases do not need for data transfer to disk , and can select better data structures that can be more efficient, and also reduce the amount of latency. These databases typically store and use data as-is, without any transformation or parsing of the layer which is known as the database. This can also lead to lower latency because it speeds up the process of take to read or write.

The use of memory-based databases has become increasingly desired due to advances in technology. For one, the cost for one gigabyte (GB) of RAM has significantly decreased over the past 20 years, and helped to make the use of memory for data storage cheaper. Developments in database software for memory as well as cloud-based managed service have made it easier to overcome several of their main drawbacks.

The advantages and disadvantages of using memory Databases

One of the most important benefits that come from the use of in-memory databases are:

  • They are more scalable because they are able to are able to store data.
  • They may increase the security of the application.

A majority of databases within memory hold data in the form of unstructured or semi-structured rather than the storage required in complex relational models. Unstructured data allows scaling of the database easier because the burden on networks of data transfers when connecting data on multiple nodes does not have to be.

The main drawbacks of the in-memory database are:

  • The cost will increase when used as the sole database
  • Storage space is limited.
  • Security features are less robust.

Databases that reside in memory generally do not have security features such as encryption since everything needs to be stored in memory, even encryption keys. This makes encryption useless since anyone who has access to memory might potentially have access to keys to encryption.

Memory-based databases can be a fantastic method to reduce costs in conjunction with traditional databases. But they're typically more expensive when they are used solely as a database, specifically when they're utilized to store huge amounts of data due to the expense of memory compared to storage on disks. This also restricts the quantity of data that you are able to keep as storing large data in memory is costly , and often requires several servers.

What's the problem with keeping all Databases be stored in memory?

One of the main reasons that prevents in-memory databases from being ubiquitous is the cost. Even though the prices of RAM have dropped substantially however, they're still more expensive in terms of GB per unit as HDDs as well as SSDs. This cost makes in-memory databases unsuitable for large-scale applications. data footprints.

If the price of RAM remains at a low, it may come to the time that memory-based databases will be the norm for databases, while disk-based databases can be only employed in certain special situations.

Use Cases of In-Memory Databases

The most common use of in-memory databases is for caching. A memory-based database can act as a cache layer used in conjunction with the traditional database. In-memory databases store frequently visited data, which prevents repeat costly searches within the disk-based database , and offering users with a more efficient users' experience.

The databases are also famous for eCommerce websites, along with blogs that have comment sections. It is due to the fact that they're extremely dynamic websites. Online stores want to tailor the experience of their customers and display real-time product availability. Blogs and forums can have thousands or hundreds of users at the same time posting and commenting. It is essential that the site be able to handle extremely high volumes of write and be able to provide current information and feedback and feed them back quickly. In-memory databases reduce the latency in storing user-generated content and giving users a personalized and current user experience.

Memory-based databases work well for creating games directories. They are able to update and retrieve information at an accelerated rate and quickly filter data for an up-to-date display of the leaderboards when the game is progressing.

Samples of databases stored in memory

Sites that use caching by default. Sites with frequently frequent database calls will be able to benefit greatly from Redis. Latency in databases is among the most significant reasons behind slowing websites. Redis assists in reducing this load and allows websites to expand quickly.

Summary

Database latency will greatly affect the time it takes for websites or applications to. Writing to and reading from hard disks increase the latency. Memory-based databases reduce latency in databases as they keep data in memory. While they do use SSDs they're more efficient because they utilize faster memory chips as well as an efficient interface with the processor. Additionally, it is possible to optimize the structures of data utilized by memory-based databases to make it faster for search.

Memory databases can improve the speed of websites and applications by serving as a cache layer between the website and a traditional database. Memory databases are faster to access than disks, and this lower overhead results in faster processing times. It also could help improve SEO.

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