Choose a Database for a Side Project by Starting with the Data
A database decision begins with what you need to store, how it relates and which questions the application must answer. A fashionable service is not a substitute for that model. Start with a few representative records and the operations your first useful version actually requires.
Why it matters
Different access patterns create different needs. A directory with occasional edits, a collaborative app and a high-volume event stream should not automatically receive the same storage design.
A practical workflow
- Sketch the main entities, relationships and identifiers using realistic sample data rather than abstract feature lists.
- Write the reads and writes the application performs, including how users are authorised to access each record.
- Check consistency, query, backup and export requirements before comparing managed services or database engines.
- Build a small prototype and test the awkward cases, such as duplicate records, deletion and a failed update.
An example
An event app may have people, sessions and registrations. A registration connects a person to a session, and the pair may need to be unique. Modelling that relationship early prevents duplicated sign-ups from becoming a recurring application bug.
A mistake to avoid
Do not store important relationships only in display text or assume the free plan includes the backups you need. Review the exact service capabilities and preserve a practical route for exporting your data.
Try it and check the result
Try to answer the app's three most important questions using your sample data. If the model makes simple queries confusing or cannot enforce a required rule, revise it before choosing a larger hosting plan.
Reference and further reading
SQLite: choosing an appropriate database architecture.
The workflows and examples in this guide are illustrative. Product controls and availability can change; check the linked official guidance for your setup.
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