Lua API and benchmark design using 3n+1 sequences: Comparing API elegance and raw speed in Redis and YottaDB databases

TL;DR

This paper compares the Lua APIs of Redis and YottaDB in terms of elegance and speed, analyzes how object orientation affects API efficiency, and benchmarks both databases using a 3n+1 sequence generator to highlight their design differences.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of Lua APIs for Redis and YottaDB, exploring API design, object orientation, and performance benchmarking with a novel 3n+1 sequence implementation.

Findings

Redis and YottaDB APIs differ in elegance and efficiency.

Object-oriented approaches can improve API performance.

Benchmark results reveal distinct performance characteristics of each database.

Abstract

Elegance of a database API matters. Frequently, database APIs suit the database designer, rather than the programmer's desire for elegance and efficiency. This article pursues both: firstly, by comparing the Lua APIs for two separate databases, Redis and YottaDB. Secondly, it looks under the API covers at how object orientation can help to retain API efficiency. Finally, it benchmarks both databases using each API to implement a 3n+1 sequence generator (of Collatz Conjecture fame). It covers the eccentricities of the Lua APIs, the databases, and the nifty choice of benchmark tool, presenting benchmark results of each database's unique design.