Dictionary term
SQL vs NoSQL
Also called SQL · NoSQL · relational database
SQL (relational) databases store data in tables with fixed columns and relationships, queried with the SQL language; NoSQL databases use other models such as documents, key-value pairs, wide columns or graphs, usually with more flexible schemas.
In plain English
SQL databases are like strict spreadsheets with linked tabs; NoSQL databases store data more freely, like folders of documents.
Analogy
Like a ledger with ruled columns (SQL) versus a box of labelled index cards that can each hold different details (NoSQL).
Why it matters
Most business apps with customers, orders and permissions fit a relational database like Postgres; NoSQL suits very flexible or very high-volume data shapes.
In practice
You keep clients, invoices and payments in Postgres tables joined by client_id, and use a key-value store only for short-lived session data.
Related terms
Sources
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