Non- Relational:
- The relational model is never followed by NoSQL databases.
- Tables with flat fixed-column records should never be used.
- Work with BLOBs or self-contained aggregates.
- Object-relational mapping and data standardisation are not required.
- There are no advanced features such as query languages, query planners, referential integrity joins, or ACID compliance.
Schema-Free:
- NoSQL databases are either schema-free or contain schemas that are more loose.
- There is no requirement for any kind of data structure specification.
- Provides data structures that are heterogeneous within the same domain.
Simple API:
- Provides simple user interfaces for storing and querying data.
- APIs make it possible to manipulate and choose data at a low level.
- Text-based protocols are most commonly associated with HTTP REST and JSON.
- The most often used NoSQL query language is not based on any standard.
- Databases that are web-enabled and run as internet-facing services
Distributed:
- A distributed execution of many NoSQL databases is possible.
- Auto-scaling and fail-over capabilities are included.
- The ACID principle is frequently overlooked in favour of scalability and throughput.
- Asynchronous replication across remote nodes is almost non-existent. HDFS Replication, Asynchronous Multi-Master Replication, Peer-to-Peer.
- Only ensuring long-term consistency.
- Nothing is shared in the architecture. As a result, there is less coordination and more dispersal.