What is the Difference Between Distributed and Parallel Database

The main difference between distributed and parallel database is that the distributed database is a system that manages multiple logically interrelated databases distributed across a network, while the parallel database is a system in which multiple processors execute and run queries simultaneously.

A database is an essential storage unit for every business organization. It is a collection of data in an organized manner. There are various types of databases. Distributed and parallel databases are two types of databases. Generally, a parallel database is faster than a distributed database.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Distributed Database
      -Definition, Functionality
2. What is a Parallel Database
     -Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Distributed and Parallel Database
     -Comparison of key differences

Key Terms

Database, Distributed Database, Parallel Database

Difference Between Distributed Database and Parallel Database - Comparison Summary

What is a Distributed Database

A distributed database is a database that has multiple nodes distributed across the network. In other words, the database files can be located in different computers across the network. Therefore, system administrators can allocate data in multiple locations. Generally, a distributed database is located on a network server, decentralized computers on the internet, corporate intranets, or extranets on other organization networks.

Difference Between Distributed and Parallel Database

Moreover, processes such as replication and duplication ensure that the distributed database is up to date. Additionally, local autonomy and synchronization are other distributed database technologies or techniques. Besides, organizations can use them based on their business, the confidential level of the data, and the amount they can invert to ensure data security, integrity, and consistency. 

What is a Parallel Database

An organization stores and manages a large amount of data daily. Therefore, it is necessary to improve an efficient way of storing and managing data. The parallel database is a solution to this issue. A parallel database increases the data processing speed by using multiple resources such as CPUs and disks in parallel. It also supports parallelization operations such as query processing and data loading.

In a parallel database, there are multiple CPUs and disks. In other words, multiple processors are connected in parallel. As they all work simultaneously, the performance of a parallel database is higher. It also improves the reliability of data. Furthermore, the user can access the required data faster. Moreover, it ensures the availability of data.

Difference Between Distributed Database and Parallel Database

Definition

A distributed database is a database in which all the storage devices are not connected to a common processor. In contrast, a parallel database is a database that helps to improve the performance by parallelizing various operations such as data loading, building indexes, and evaluating queries.

Location

Nodes of a distributed database are in different locations while nodes of a parallel database are in the same location.

Execution speed

A distributed database is slower than a parallel database. This is another difference between distributed and parallel database.

Overhead

Moreover, the overhead of a distributed database is higher, whereas the overhead of a parallel database is lower.

Conclusion

A database is a storage unit that helps to store a large collection of data. Therefore, end-users can access the required data quickly. In brief, there are various types of databases, and two of them are distributed and parallel database. The main difference between distributed and parallel database is that distributed database is a system that manages multiple logically interrelated databases distributed across a network, while the parallel database is a system in which multiple processors execute and run queries simultaneously.

References:

1.“Distributed Database.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Dec. 2018, Available here.
2.“Parallel Database.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Feb. 2019, Available here.
3.Parallel Databases Tutorial, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “2797375” via Pixabay

About the Author: Lithmee

Lithmee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Systems Engineering and is reading for her Master’s degree in Computer Science. She is passionate about sharing her knowldge in the areas of programming, data science, and computer systems.

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