What is InfluxDB and what are the benefits

Depending on the type and use of information, specialised databases are required that are tailored to specific types of information. Some typical examples include Redis as a NoSQL database with a flat hierarchy, MySQL and MariaDB as traditional relational databases, or InfluxDB for efficient time series management. The primary use of this database management system (DBMS) has so far been in scientific research, for example, to efficiently store a large amount of measurement data. Since 2015, this particular database management system (DBMS) has also been playing an increasing role in other contexts such as artificial intelligence (AI) or data analysis in areas like autonomous driving.

What is InfluxDB?

At InfluxData, InfluxDB is a specialised database prioritising maximum efficiency with limited complexity, unlike relational databases like MySQL and MariaDB, or structured databases like Redis. The software is available under an open-source license, but the developer offers commercial extensions such as access controls for business clients within their own Dedicated Servers and cloud services with graphical data analysis via a web interface. InfluxDB version 2.0 introduced the use of a custom programming language named Flux for querying information. Flux, like the database itself, is designed for efficient management through simple scripts. Key features of InfluxDB include:

• Specialisation in time series
• Combining multiple sources in a central instance
• Very high processing efficiency
• Support for Flux as a scripting language for management
• Collecting data from various sources such as third-party APIs
• Data exchange via Apache Arrow as an interface

What is the role of InfluxDB?

Relational databases offer numerous advantages - they are extremely flexible in their application, can be optimally tailored to existing conditions in terms of scope or structure, and allow the use of specialised storage subsystems like InnoDB or MyISAM. However, this flexibility comes with a downside as the complex structure often leads to inefficient processing, requiring significant memory and computational resources. In contrast, InfluxDB adopts a simple structure, enabling quick and reliable database management without the need for extensive analysis of a tabular structure or numerous cross-references. These features allow the DBMS to register and store records in real-time, including data from sensors or states through Internet of Things (IoT) smart devices, almost instantaneously.

How and where can InfluxDB databases be used?

Storing a database in InfluxDB format can be done either locally or by connecting to a cloud, for which InfluxData currently uses the Amazon Web Service in Europe. Additionally, the company offers open-source licensed software, including servers and clients, for use in various programming languages such as Python, Perl, Matlab, Java, C, or Go. A plugin is also available for web applications, allowing the format to be used under PHP similarly extensively and comfortably as MySQL and MariaDB through MySQLi for data integration, analysis, presentation, and manipulation.

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