Columnar Database
A columnar database is a type of database management system that stores data by columns rather than rows, optimizing for analytical queries and data warehousing. This storage format allows for efficient compression and faster retrieval of specific columns, making it ideal for read-heavy workloads involving large datasets. It contrasts with traditional row-oriented databases, which are better suited for transactional processing.
Developers should learn and use columnar databases when building data analytics platforms, business intelligence tools, or handling big data queries that require aggregations and scans over large volumes of data. They are particularly valuable in scenarios where performance on analytical queries is critical, such as in financial reporting, log analysis, or scientific research, as they reduce I/O and improve query speed by reading only relevant columns.