Better the Devil you NoSQL - A Battle of Paradigms

SQL or NoSQL? We’ll build the same app on DynamoDB and on Aurora DSQL, the newest cloud native database. Then compare modeling, query patterns, cost, latency, transactions, and ops. Takeaway insights from this packed micro demo.

Abstract

I spent years living happily in my NoSQL safe space. I avoided SQL out of intimidation, without realizing the cost. Inspired by Ghost Rider’s redemption arc, I used the Devil I know to learn about the one I don’t. We’ll build a “Soul Contract Manager” for Ghost Rider with both DynamoDB and Aurora DSQL. In the process, we’ll see:

• How data modeling shapes query flexibility and agility
• The realities of multi-record consistency (transactions vs. item-level ops)
• Cost and latency levers under typical read/write mixes
• Secure connection patterns (IAM-issued tokens vs. app-managed secrets)

Our goal isn’t to pick a winner; instead, you’ll get my hard-won lessons because redemption isn’t about swapping methods; it’s about feeling confident in your choices.

What You’ll Learn

• Mental models: Access-pattern modeling (NoSQL) vs. relational modeling (SQL) you can explain to your team.
• Modeling tradeoffs in practice: Keys/GSIs/streams vs. schemas/joins/transactions.
• Performance & cost levers: How workload shape (read/write ratio, query mix) changes outcomes.
• Security patterns: Secrets-free connections with IAM tokens; least-privilege access.

Why You Can’t Miss It

• Memorable and Entertaining Analogies: Inspired by Ghost-Rider’s redemption story to make concepts stick.
• Hands-on realism: The same workflow implemented two ways—no hand-wavy “it depends.”

Audience & Level

General developers, backend/full-stack, cloud/serverless engineers

Level: Beginner–Intermediate (no DB specialization required)