Databases vs Data Warehouses

Different tools for different jobs.

Database (OLTP):

• Online Transaction Processing
• Many small, fast writes
• Current data
• Examples: PostgreSQL, MySQL
• Use: Run your app

Data Warehouse (OLAP):

• Online Analytical Processing
• Complex queries on huge datasets
• Historical data
• Examples: Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift
• Use: Analytics & reporting

Data flows: App DB → ETL → Warehouse → Dashboards

Your SQL works in both - warehouses just handle bigger data!