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Couchbase brings SQL to JSON with N1QL query language in Couchbase 4.0 beta

New tool brings the familiarity of SQL to NoSQL databases using JSON

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Bringing SQL constructs to unstructured data
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NoSQL database firm Couchbase has unveiled a beta release of the upcoming Couchbase Server 4.0 platform, including a new query language called N1QL that is claimed to offer the familiarity of SQL for querying document-oriented databases.

Announced at the firm's Couchbase Connect user conference, Couchbase Server 4.0 is slated for release in the coming months and is set to offer a number of enhancements, including N1QL, multi-dimensional scaling and a new storage engine called ForestDB.

N1QL appears to be the feature that Couchbase itself considers the most significant. The name derives from First normal form (N1) Query Language, but is pronounced 'nickel'.

It has been designed to be similar to the standard SQL language for relational databases, but includes additional features suited for NoSQL databases structured around documents instead of tables, and specifically for JavaScript Object Notation in Couchbase's case.

The advantage of this is that it makes it easier for developers to build applications on top of a NoSQL database such as Couchbase Server, according to the firm, which said it expects N1QL to accelerate adoption of NoSQL as the standard database technology for enterprises to build web, mobile and Internet of Things applications.

"With the introduction of N1QL, we are the first NoSQL vendor to offer a query language for NoSQL databases that is based on SQL," said Couchbase chief executive Bob Wiederhold.

"This makes it easy for enterprises to leverage their workforce knowledge and existing investments in the massive SQL ecosystem, against the performance and scale of NoSQL."

N1QL has full compatibility with the SQL ecosystem via connectors and standard JDBC/ODBC drivers. This allows enterprises to connect existing extract, transform and load reporting and BI tools to Couchbase Server for the first time, the firm said.

Other features of Couchbase Server 4.0 include multi-dimensional scaling, which is described as a new way to improve performance in distributed database by allowing individual services such as query, index and data to be scaled separately.

This will enable users to optimise hardware by allocating resources based on the workload of a specific service, and to avoid resource contention by performing queries, maintaining indices and writing data with different nodes, the firm said.

Also with scalability in mind, Couchbase Server 4.0 is set to come with ForestDB, a storage engine said to be engineered to take full advantage of infrastructure based on multi-core processors and solid state drives (SSDs).

ForestDB takes advantage of multi-core processors by executing multiple reads and writes concurrently, while SSD optimisations offer improved read and write performance.

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