The SQL vs NoSQL debate has evolved. In 2026, the answer is almost always 'start with SQL' — but there are important exceptions.
Why SQL First
PostgreSQL handles 95% of startup use cases. Relational data, JSON documents, full-text search, and even vector operations.
When NoSQL Makes Sense
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Document stores for truly schemaless data, key-value stores for caching, and graph databases for relationship-heavy models.
Conclusion
Default to PostgreSQL. Add specialized databases only when you have a specific, measured need that Postgres can't handle efficiently.
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