This document discusses NoSQL databases and compares them to SQL databases. It defines NoSQL as non-relational data storage systems that are schema-free and relax ACID properties. NoSQL is useful for massive data stores with frequent schema changes, as seen with social media sites. The CAP theorem states that only two of consistency, availability, and partition tolerance can be achieved at once. NoSQL databases favor availability and partition tolerance over consistency. The document compares database types and performance, and provides examples of querying and updating documents in MongoDB.