In-memory database
lastmod 2025-03-18created 2025-03-181 edits
An in-memory database (IMDB), main memory database system (MMDB), or memory resident database is a database management system that is installed and operates in the main memory of data storage.
In-memory databases are faster than disk-optimized databases because disk access is slower than memory access; their internal optimization algorithms are simpler and execute fewer CPU instructions. Accessing data in memory reduces seek time when querying data and provides faster and more predictable performance than disk.
A potential technical problem with in-memory data storage is the volatility of RAM. Specifically, data stored in volatile RAM is lost in cases such as power loss or deliberate situations. With the introduction of non-volatile RAM technology, in-memory databases can keep data at full speed even through power loss.