Unlike traditional relational databases that rely on tables and SQL for data management, Redis offers a more flexible data storage model.

Data Storage Model

At the core of Redis is the key-value data structure, which means each data element in the database is identified by a unique key associated with a specific value.

In Redis, every data element is stored in memory and linked to a unique key. For example, if you need to store user information, the key could be the user's ID, while the value could contain details like their name and email address. Whenever an application or user wants to access this information, they only need to provide the key, and Redis will instantly return the associated value.

Where Is Data Stored?

In-memory data storage is a defining feature of Redis, providing its exceptional performance. Unlike traditional databases that rely on hard drives or SSDs for data storage, Redis keeps information in RAM (Random Access Memory).

This approach significantly speeds up read and write operations compared to disk-based storage, as accessing data in memory is far faster than retrieving it from a hard drive.

But there are also drawbacks. Data can be lost if the server shuts down unexpectedly or if a memory failure occurs. While Redis supports saving data to disk, these methods are secondary and require proper configuration to prevent data loss.

Summary

Thanks to its in-memory architecture, Redis is perfect for applications where high speed and minimal latency are critical.