Database Design Patterns for Scalable Web Applications

Database design is fundamental to web application performance and scalability.

Database normalization reduces data redundancy and improves data integrity, but can impact query performance. Understanding when to normalize and when to denormalize is key to optimal database design.

Proper indexing is crucial for query performance. Implement composite indexes for common query patterns, covering indexes to eliminate table scans, and partial indexes for filtered queries.

SQL databases excel in transactions, complex queries, and data consistency. NoSQL databases offer flexibility, horizontal scaling, and high performance for specific use cases.

Multi-level caching significantly improves application performance. Implement application-level caching for frequently accessed data and distributed caching for multi-server deployments.