> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://functional.gitbook.io/database_comparison_report/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://functional.gitbook.io/database_comparison_report/types-of-databases-relational-vs-non-relational.md).

# Types of databases: Relational vs Non-Relational

<figure><img src="/files/w5uJZNtQtfoBVTi7VSpB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Basically, there are two types of DBMSs: relational and non-relational, also referred to as SQL and NoSQL respectively. Before discussing the most popular database options, let’s take a closer look at how relational and non-relational database systems differ considering commonly used data structures, performance, scalability, and security.