RocksDB vs Scylla: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Here we will discuss the key differences between RocksDB and Scylla. These two are popular database systems that have their own unique features and advantages. By understanding their differences, users can choose the one that best suits their requirements and needs.

1. Storage Model: RocksDB is a key-value store that is optimized for fast storage and retrieval of key-value pairs. It is designed to efficiently handle both read and write operations. On the other hand, Scylla is a wide-column store that is based on Apache Cassandra. It is known for its ability to handle large volumes of data with high write and read performance.

2. Consistency Model: RocksDB is a single-node database and follows strict consistency and atomicity guarantees. It ensures that all operations are performed in a serialized order and maintains strict consistency. In contrast, Scylla is a distributed database that uses a distributed consensus protocol for consistency. It provides eventual consistency and allows for high availability and fault tolerance.

3. Replication and Scalability: RocksDB does not provide built-in support for replication and scalability, although it can be used in distributed systems through frameworks like Hadoop and Spark. On the other hand, Scylla is designed to handle large-scale deployments and provides built-in support for replication and horizontal scalability. It uses a masterless architecture that allows for automatic data distribution and replication across multiple nodes.

4. Data Model: RocksDB is a key-value store and does not support complex data types or secondary indexes out-of-the-box. It is primarily used for simple key-value storage and retrieval. Scylla, on the other hand, supports a wide range of data types and allows for the creation of secondary indexes. It also provides support for advanced querying capabilities, including range scans and aggregations.

5. Concurrency Control: RocksDB provides multithreaded read and write operations within a single-node environment. It utilizes multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) to provide concurrent access to data. Scylla, being a distributed database, uses a distributed concurrency control mechanism to handle concurrent operations across multiple nodes. It employs techniques like token-based partitioning and distributed locking to ensure consistency and isolation.

6. Performance: RocksDB is known for its high performance and low-latency data access. It is optimized for fast storage and retrieval and can handle high write and read workloads efficiently. Scylla, on the other hand, is designed to provide scalable throughput and low latency for large-scale deployments. It is capable of handling millions of operations per second and can scale horizontally to handle massive amounts of data efficiently.

In Summary, RocksDB is a key-value store optimized for fast storage and retrieval, while Scylla is a wide-column store designed for high-performance handling of large volumes of data in distributed environments.