DynamoDB vs Apache Cassandra

AWS's NoSQL powerhouse that scales like a dream but makes you think in keys and indexes meets the distributed database that scales like a dream but queries like a nightmare. Here's our take.

DynamoDB

AWS's NoSQL powerhouse that scales like a dream but makes you think in keys and indexes.

Pros

• Serverless architecture with automatic scaling
• Single-digit millisecond latency for most operations
• Built-in backup and point-in-time recovery
• Seamless integration with other AWS services

Cons

• Pricing can be unpredictable with high throughput
• Limited query flexibility compared to relational databases

Apache Cassandra

Nice Pick

The distributed database that scales like a dream but queries like a nightmare.

Pros

• Massive horizontal scalability with no single point of failure
• Excellent write performance for time-series and IoT data
• Flexible schema design that evolves without downtime

Cons

• Complex querying with limited JOIN support
• Steep learning curve for data modeling and tuning

The Verdict

Use Apache Cassandra if: You want massive horizontal scalability with no single point of failure and can live with complex querying with limited join support.

Use DynamoDB if: You prioritize serverless architecture with automatic scaling over what Apache Cassandra offers.

The Bottom Line

Apache Cassandra wins

The distributed database that scales like a dream but queries like a nightmare.