For data scientists and developers alike, having an in-depth knowledge of the collection and storage of information and data is an essential skill. While many students and professionals are familiar with databases for big data projects and industry research, there are also databases that are especially suited to working with mobile applications. In general, databases for mobile applications are geared towards storing different data types, as well as offline and cloud-based data. Developing mobile applications also requires a database that offers information security and data mobility.
Data scientists and mobile developers can apply their knowledge of programming languages and web development to the design and management of database systems. The top databases for mobile applications bring together the unique needs of data scientists, software engineers, and mobile developers to provide a resource for the storage and collection of user data across devices and platforms.
User Data and the Importance of Databases in Web Development
The bulk of data that is being collected at rapid rates is user data, or the data of user engagement. User data can be defined as any data which is created by someone using a product, platform, or service. User data is usually collected at the very beginning of the process of engaging with a project or platform. For example, when signing up for a social media platform, it is common for the site to ask for profile information, like your name and email address. Depending on the platform, the collection of this user data also continues over time as you interact with the site, which is why many platforms and applications require a big database that can manage all of the data that is being collected from users engaging with the site on a daily basis.
This user data is not only important within the social media and technology industries, in which the creation and tracking of user-generated content is essential to the business model, but also industries that need to collect information to sell specific products or make recommendations. Within the world of business, finance, and advertising, user data can also be used to track consumer behavior. This data can be even more personal, as consumer data is focused on what people buy online and how they buy those items. Many companies collect data on all of the different ways that users engage with their site and then use that information to inform decision-making when it comes to users and the company itself.
Each of these applications of user data demonstrates why databases are so important to data science and the development of mobile applications and other platforms. The design and management of databases ensure that whatever data is being collected on users, and by a platform or application, is going to a location that is centralized, safe, and secure. Especially when collecting personally identifiable information and sensitive data, such as geographic locations, financial transactions or banking information, and even user profile data like photos, databases are the primary space where this information is stored. By developing a secure database management system, data scientists and developers can make sure that user data is not only collected and stored, but that it can also be searched and retrieved by the system when needed.
Choosing a Database for Mobile Application Development
Similar to managing a data science project, choosing a database for the development of a mobile application requires selection criteria that take into account the data that will be collected, the type of data, the storage needs of the application, and the type of databases which are most compatible with the previous specifications. You might be working with documents, text, or even images, so it is important to utilize a database that is versatile and flexible in accommodating these different types.
It is also important to understand how databases are used within the development and design of mobile applications. Many mobile applications are based on a database management system that combines the use of SQL and NoSQL databases to store different data types. The following list includes both SQL and NoSQL databases that are commonly associated with the design and development of mobile applications and other digital platforms.
1. MySQL
MySQL is one of the most well-known SQL databases on the market, so it is also commonly used within the development of mobile applications. Offering multiple web frameworks, MySQL is a popular choice for developers that are working with structured datasets, so this database system is a great choice if you are developing a simple application that won’t change much over time. This is because MySQL is a vertically scalable relational database management system, so it is not always suitable for applications that require flexibility and mobility when it comes to the amount and type of data that is being stored.
2. PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is also a SQL database, so it deals with the same rows and columns model as other relational database management systems. Unlike other SQL databases, PostgreSQL is also compatible with JSON, so it accommodates more data types than just structured data. PostgreSQL is commonly used when developing a database for mobile apps that are more simple and straightforward in their design and data schema. This ensures that the application can continue to run smoothly as the database grows.
3. MongoDB
Known as one of the most popular NoSQL databases on the market, MongoDB offers many features geared towards the development of mobile applications. As a document-based database, MongoDB is proficient with the JSON data-interchange format, making the storage of web pages and other documents, like chat logs and messages. Through MongoDB Atlas, developers can work in a cloud-based system to build a highly complex and scalable database that has the capacity to grow with the changing needs of the application and the different types of user data that will be collected and stored.
4. Amazon Web Services DynamoDB
As part of the larger ecosystem of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon’s DynamoDB is a NoSQL database that is known for its speed and efficiency when it comes to the retrieval of information and data from the system. In contrast to MongoDB, Amazon DynamoDB is a key-value database, so there are a variety of data types that can be stored within this system. Like other NoSQL databases, DynamoDB is a highly scalable and complex database system for developers that are working with applications that need to manage big user data and constant engagement.
5. Couchbase
Another NoSQL database, Couchbase is also a cloud-based system that is popular amongst technology companies that need to store large collections of information and data from their users. Through a distributed processing model, Couchbase is the go-to for the development of enterprise applications as it is a document database with multiple resources for mobile developers and engineers, such as the Couchbase Developer Portal. Couchbase is also an excellent option for mobile apps that require a database that is horizontally scalable and amenable to growth and change over time.
Want to know more about the development of mobile applications?
With so many applications to choose from, learning how to develop mobile applications requires an in-depth knowledge of various programming languages and database management systems. Depending on the type of career you are interested in, these skills can be focused on data science, web development, software engineering, and/or database design. Many of the courses and certificate programs that focus on the development of mobile applications at Noble Desktop fall under the category of web development courses.
Developers and Data Scientists interested in the database design aspects of mobile application development can take the NoSQL Databases with MongoDB course. This course offers an introduction to working with NoSQL databases through hands-on projects and exercises using MongoDB. Developers and Data Scientists who want to expand their knowledge of coding and back end development can check out the JavaScript Development Certificate. This larger program focuses on creating a portfolio of projects using JavaScript. Each of these courses offers students and professionals alike the opportunity to learn more about data science, web development, and the design of mobile technologies.