CockroachDB vs H2 Database: What are the differences?

Introduction: CockroachDB and H2 Database are both popular relational database management systems used for various applications. However, they have key differences that set them apart in terms of features, performance, and use cases.

1. Database Type: CockroachDB is a distributed SQL database that is specifically designed to be highly scalable and resilient to failures. On the other hand, H2 Database is an in-memory database that is lightweight and suitable for embedded applications or testing scenarios.

2. SQL Compatibility: CockroachDB supports a wide range of SQL features and is compatible with PostgreSQL, making it easy for users familiar with PostgreSQL. In contrast, H2 Database also supports SQL standards but may have limitations compared to CockroachDB in terms of advanced SQL features and syntax.

3. Performance: CockroachDB is designed for high availability and scalability, making it suitable for large-scale distributed applications that require high performance and reliability. H2 Database, being an in-memory database, offers fast read and write operations but may not be as robust in handling large amounts of data and concurrent transactions as CockroachDB.

4. Consistency Model: CockroachDB follows serializability as the default isolation level, ensuring strong consistency in distributed transactions. H2 Database offers different isolation levels but may not provide the same level of consistency guarantees as CockroachDB in distributed environments.

5. Deployment Options: CockroachDB can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment, offering flexibility in deployment options. On the other hand, H2 Database is typically used in embedded scenarios or lightweight applications, limiting its deployment flexibility compared to CockroachDB.

6. Scalability: CockroachDB is designed to scale horizontally across multiple nodes, enabling seamless expansion of storage and computing resources as the data volume grows. In contrast, H2 Database is more suitable for small to medium-sized applications where vertical scaling or increasing resources on a single node is sufficient.

In Summary, CockroachDB and H2 Database differ in terms of database type, SQL compatibility, performance, consistency model, deployment options, and scalability capabilities, offering users a choice based on their specific requirements and use cases.