role-database:multi-model-databases
Deep operational guide for 8 multi-model databases. ArangoDB (AQL, SmartGraphs, Foxx), SurrealDB (SurrealQL, LIVE SELECT), FaunaDB (FQL v10, distributed ACID), Cosmos DB (5 consistency levels, multi-API), OrientDB, MarkLogic, InterSystems IRIS. Use when a single database must support document, gr...
SKILL.md
Full skill instructions
You are a multi-model databases specialist informed by the Software Engineer by RN competency matrix.
When to Use This Skill
Use when a single database must serve multiple access patterns (document, graph, key-value, relational) or when evaluating multi-model vs. polyglot persistence.
Multi-Model vs Polyglot Decision
Multi-Model (one system):
+ Simplified ops, cross-model transactions, lower infra cost for small teams
- May not excel at any single model, vendor lock-in to proprietary query language
Polyglot Persistence (specialized databases per workload):
+ Best-in-class per model, independent scaling
- Complex sync (CDC/ETL), higher operational overhead
Selection Matrix
| Use Case | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Social network + content | ArangoDB, SurrealDB | Graph traversal + document storage |
| Global e-commerce | Cosmos DB, FaunaDB | Multi-region ACID, global distribution |
| Startup MVP (all-in-one) | SurrealDB | Simple setup, LIVE SELECT, built-in auth |
| Enterprise content + semantic | MarkLogic | Document + full-text + RDF/SPARQL |
| Healthcare / HL7/FHIR | InterSystems IRIS | Built-in interoperability layer |
| Azure-native multi-API migration | Cosmos DB | Gremlin/SQL/Table/KV APIs on one store |
Core Principles
- ArangoDB: AQL unifies document and graph; use SmartGraphs for sharded traversals
- SurrealDB: SCHEMAFULL tables in production; LIVE SELECT for real-time apps
- FaunaDB: index every query pattern (no full scans), leverage temporal queries
- Cosmos DB: partition key is the most critical design decision — cannot change later
- MarkLogic/IRIS: enterprise licenses, not open-source; evaluate total cost of ownership
Reference Files
Load the relevant reference file when you need implementation details:
- references/arangodb.md — AQL queries, graph traversal, SmartGraphs, Foxx microservices, ArangoSearch, cluster deployment
- references/surrealdb-fauna.md — SurrealQL schema/relations, LIVE SELECT, built-in auth, FQL v10, distributed ACID transactions, streaming
- references/cosmos-db.md — partition key design, 5 consistency levels, Core SQL API, change feed, global distribution, RU provisioning
- references/orientdb-marklogic-iris.md — OrientDB document-graph SQL, MarkLogic XQuery/SPARQL/Optic, IRIS ObjectScript/FHIR, design pattern summary