A key-value store is a type of non-relational database that stores data as pairs consisting of a unique key and a corresponding value. It offers extremely fast read and write operations, making it ideal for caching, session storage, configuration, and real-time analytics. Values can be simple strings or more complex objects depending on the system.
Why it matters
Key-value stores provide predictable, low-latency performance that supports high-throughput workloads. They are widely used in distributed systems, microservices, and application caching layers. Their simplicity makes them both powerful and easy to scale.
Examples
Redis and Amazon DynamoDB are common key-value stores used for caching or metadata storage. Lessons like Key-Value Store Fundamentals and caching-related lessons provide practical context.