A database is a collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. Database tools and applications are designed to help you store and manage data in a controlled and structured manner. A database is a vital system for any organisation that stores mission critical information. The continual failure of a company’s database system will inevitably lead to the demise of the organisation; companies cannot function without a fully working database system.
There are a number of different types of database. The most popular choice in storing data such as personal information, financial records, and medical records is the relational database management system. This type of system makes use of common ‘keys’ to tie related information together with data being manipulated with the SQL data definition and query language. SQL has many strengths for querying data. However, there are some disadvantages inherent in SQL. For example, SQL does not scale horizontally particularly well.
A graph database stores nodes and relationships instead of tables, or documents. Data is stored just like you might sketch ideas on a whiteboard. Your data is stored without restricting it to a pre-defined model, allowing a very flexible way of thinking about and using it.
Here’s our verdict on the finest graph databases that run under Linux. We only include free and open source software.
Click the links in the table below to learn more about each database.
| Graph Databases | |
|---|---|
| SurrealDB | Scalable, distributed, collaborative, document-graph database |
| EdgeDB | Graph-relational database with declarative schema |
| JanusGraph | Distributed graph database |
| ArangoDB | Scalable graph database system to drive value from connected data, faster |
| OrientDB | Document-graph database |
| TypeDB | Polymorphic database with a conceptual data model |
| Neo4j | Native graph database that is built to store and retrieve connected data |
| NebulaGraph | Graph database that can handle large volumes of data |
| TerminusDB | Document-oriented graph database for building collaborative applications |
| Ladybug | Embedded graph database |
| Virtuoso | Middleware and database engine hybrid |
| Bitsy | Small, fast, embeddable, durable in-memory graph database |
This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.
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Why no mention of neo4j
Yes, it looks like neo4j should have been included. We’ll rectify.