NoSQL (Not only SQL) database refers to any database that does not use a traditional tabular relational database management system (RDBMS) structure. NoSQL databases are designed to handle large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data that do not fit neatly into the rigid schema of a relational database.
NoSQL databases come in various forms, including document-oriented, key-value, graph, and column-family databases. These databases differ in terms of their data model and storage structure, but they all share a common characteristic of being flexible and scalable to handle large volumes of data.
NoSQL databases are particularly well-suited for applications that require high availability, scalability, and performance, such as social networking, e-commerce, and mobile applications. They offer several advantages over traditional RDBMS, including the ability to handle large volumes of data, support for distributed computing, and flexibility in data structure.