The Howdy Glossary

Tarantool is an open-source NoSQL in-memory database, cache, and application server designed to handle large volumes of data with low latency. It achieves this through a combination of in-memory processing and on-disk persistence. Additionally, it can function as a message queue or load balancer for HTTP and WebSockets. Written in C, Tarantool uses the Lua programming language for stored procedures and triggers within the engine and supports a JSON document model with flexible schema options to accommodate various use cases.

The project originated from Mail.Ru Group in Russia back in 2008 but has since evolved into a community-driven initiative with global contributions. As an all-in-one solution, Tarantool offers unique functionalities that distinguish it from its competitors like Apache Cassandra, Redis, and MongoDB. Its ability to provide high performance by integrating multiple roles—NoSQL database, cache system, application server—alongside Lua-based scripting for custom procedures makes it stand out.

Tarantool's main edge lies in its comprehensive range of features that blend performance with flexibility. The integration of in-memory processing alongside durable on-disk storage offers speed without sacrificing data integrity. It also supports complex application logic execution through Lua scripts directly within the engine while allowing diverse data structure modeling via JSON documents and flexible schemas. Furthermore, its versatility as both a message queue and load balancer enhances its applicability across different scenarios requiring real-time analytics or high-throughput workloads. This multifaceted approach positions Tarantool as an ideal solution for developers and organizations looking for an efficient yet robust platform to meet their intensive data processing needs.