Software Engineering › Key terms › Y12 Programming for the Web › SQL and non-SQL databases
SQL and non-SQL databases
Term Y12 Programming for the Web
Definition
SQL databases store data in related tables queried with Structured Query Language; non-SQL (NoSQL) databases store data as documents, key-value pairs or graphs.
Example: Use NoSQL for flexible, unstructured data.
Found in: syllabus, school notes.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 Programming for the Web.
Question types it can appear in
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.
Where it has appeared in the paper
Programming for the Web (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q9 (1 mark): ORM and SQL Programming for the Web (Part A) · 1 mark
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: SQL and non-SQL databases in Programming for the Web (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Web development system: front end, back end, databases
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
“SQL databases store data in related tables queried with Structured Query Language; non-SQL (NoSQL) databases store data as documents, key-value pairs or graphs.” Then apply it: Use NoSQL for flexible, unstructured data.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.
Technique for the question types
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Fill in the blanks: Choose the right word from a list; use exact syllabus terms.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Read from the MG table layout: row 2 has two ticks; rows 1 and 3 have one tick in the ORM column.
Worked answers from the marking guidelines
2025 HSC Q9 (1 mark): ORM and SQL (1 mark): criteria and sample answer
Criteria
1: Correctly matches each characteristic to the appropriate approach.
Sample answer
(1) ORM only. (2) Both ORM and SQL. (3) ORM only.
Common mistakes
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: W3C and WAI · Client-side (front-end) programming · Server-side (back-end) programming · Web browser and developer (dev) tools · Cascading style sheets (CSS) · CSS selectors (id v class) · CSS maintenance tools · Code libraries and frameworks (front end) · Open-source software · Version control · Load times · Minification · Lazy loading · Caching