What is a key characteristic of non-relational databases compared to relational databases?

Non-relational databases, also known as NoSQL databases, are designed to handle a variety of data types and structures, which is a key distinction from traditional relational databases. The characteristic of greater flexibility with data types allows non-relational databases to manage unstructured, semi-structured, and structured data without requiring a predefined schema. This flexibility facilitates the storage of diverse data formats, including JSON, XML, and others, enabling developers to adapt to changing data requirements and rapidly iterate on applications.

In contrast, relational databases typically necessitate a fixed schema that defines the structure of the data before it can be stored. This limits their ability to easily accommodate changes in data types or structures. Data normalization is also a common practice in relational databases to reduce data redundancy and ensure data integrity, which is less prevalent in non-relational databases that prioritize flexibility. Single-threaded processing is not a defining characteristic of either type of database; many databases, both relational and non-relational, can handle concurrent processing through various means.