AWS (Amazon Web Services) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines a Non-Relational Database?

1. It is designed to support complex queries

2. It is typically simpler, lighter in design, and scales quickly

3. It requires a schema definition before data insertion

4. It is primarily used for transaction-heavy applications

The correct answer is: It is typically simpler, lighter in design, and scales quickly

A Non-Relational Database, often referred to as a NoSQL database, is characterized by its flexibility, simplicity, and ability to scale horizontally. The essence of this definition lies in how these databases handle data storage, querying, and structure compared to traditional relational databases. The correct choice highlights that non-relational databases generally have a simpler and lighter design. They are optimized for handling large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data, making them suitable for applications that require fast horizontal scaling, such as big data applications, real-time web applications, and distributed systems. They often do not enforce a predefined schema, allowing for easier iteration and changes in data structure over time, which contrasts with the rigidity of traditional relational databases. In contrast, other options specify features that are not fundamentally associated with non-relational databases. While non-relational databases may handle some complex queries, they do not primarily focus on supporting complex querying functionalities like relational databases do. The requirement for schema definitions typically pertains to relational databases, where a defined schema must be adhered to before data insertion; non-relational databases embrace a schema-less or schema-flexible approach. Lastly, while non-relational databases can be used for transaction-heavy applications, they are not exclusively designed for this purpose; their