"Do you really need a database?"

[AstonJ]

@NobbZ’s post sums it up for me:

"Do you really need a database?"

Well, most of this thoughts about not needing a database assume a basic thing: You never shut down your application. If this is a fact and you can guarantee that it will never shutdown, then leave DBs completely. But since you can’t guarantee zero downtime, you have to persist your data somehow. To persist your data and getting it back into your live system, you have a couple of options: Put them into a databse of any kind (SQL or not doesn’t matter) and reload it when necessary Log changes…

If it’s data you don’t mind losing in case of a system/power failure (such as temporary user settings) then there’s a good argument not to persist. But if it’s something like User account details, then I would persist.

Also, as you’re interested in application architecture I highly recommend PragDave’s online course - it’s sparked some really interesting discussions about approaches to development in Elixir.