From Relational to Document-Based: How Database Selection Shapes Software Architecture in Distributed Systems
This study explores how the choice of database influences performance, modularity, and extensibility in monolithic and microservices software architectures. These software architectures are tested in combination with relational database MySQL and document-based database MongoDB. Apache JMeter is used for automated load testing. Relational databases consistently deliver better performance for structured transactions, while document-based solutions offer greater flexibility and extensibility in distributed systems. In addition, the analysis shows that the choice of database may have more effect on the total performance of a microservices architecture than the inherent overhead of the architecture itself. The findings highlight the critical trade-offs between performance and flexibility, emphasizing the importance of strategic database selection.