Key-value store is a simple database that uses a dictionary-like structure to store and quickly retrieve data based on unique keys. It's like a giant hashtable in the sky, perfect for caching, managing user sessions, or storing shopping cart data.

How to use it in a sentence

• I was going to use a relational database for my new project, but then I realized I just needed a simple key-value store to keep track of user preferences - no need to go full-SQL on this one!

• My boss keeps talking about using a key-value store for our new microservice architecture - I think he just learned that term at a conference and wants to sound smart.

If you actually want to learn more...

• Martin Kleppmann has a great overview of integrating storage systems like Memcached and Redis with databases. It covers the challenges of maintaining consistency across different storage technologies.

• For a deeper dive into the principles behind key-value stores and other NoSQL databases, check out Kleppmann's article on turning the database inside-out with Apache Samza. It discusses how event streams can enable better scalability and flexibility.

• If you're trying to make sense of the whole NoSQL landscape, Martin Fowler's key points from NoSQL Distilled is a great high-level summary. It covers schema migrations, polyglot persistence, and has some pragmatic advice on choosing databases.

Note: the Developer Dictionary is in Beta. Please direct feedback to skye@statsig.com.