Logo Features for Redis

Modified date: Monday, June 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

In its own words, "Redis (REmote DIctionary Server) is an open source, in-memory, NoSQL key/value store that is used primarily as an application cache or quick-response database". It is currently ranked #7 in DB-Engine rankings.

▶️ Online Playground

General

FeatureValueDefinition
introRedis (REmote DIctionary Server) is an open source, in-memory, NoSQL key/value store that is used primarily as an application cache or quick-response database.in their own words - but I reserved the rights to remove some bold claims like "the best", unless it is widely recognized.
vendorRedis
initial release2009
latested version8We don't put a release date here as the software is patching frequently. So tracking it is not much useful.
supported platforms

RHEL, Ubuntu, Amazon Linux

Here is the Redis Enterprise version. The open source one shall be runnable on *BSD, Linux, MacOS.
supported OS/CPU platforms
db-engines ranking7ranks from https://db-engines.com/en/ranking (06/25)
relational?noIs it a relational database? (1) Most database are actually with some extensions, for example, nested data types, graph support, etc, which we usually called "multi-model". (2) Some of them are product family, meaning they have more than one database. Here we focus on the main one but explain others when needed.
open source?yes/nomainly the engine code
license

Tri-licensing model

Starting with Redis 8, Redis Open Source is moving to a tri-licensing model with all new Redis code contributions governed by the updated Redis Software Grant and Contributor License Agreement. After this release, contributions are subject to your choice of: (a) the Redis Source Available License v2 (RSALv2);or (b) the Server Side Public License v1 (SSPLv1); or (c) the GNU Affero General Public License v3 (AGPLv3). Redis Open Source 7.2 and prior releases remain subject to the BSDv3 clause license.
on-premise offeringyesif no means you can't buy "box" software from them
cloud offeringRedis Cloud
technical dochttps://redis.io/docs/latest/

SQL

FeatureValueDefinition
SQL: standard complainceNo SQL
SQL: extensionsThere are multiple open source projects to add SQL support on top of Redis. For example, RediSQL.
Extension MechanismRedis Modules API

Storage and System

FeatureValueDefinition
arch: serverC/SEmbedded or traditional C/S?
arch: run in browser?noIt also known as a client-side database, is a database that is stored and managed within a user's web browser, rather than on a remote server.
ACID: durabilityyes
Materialized View: support?no

Benchmarking

FeatureValueDefinition
any official TPC benchmarks?noThe TPC benchmark includes a set of tests simulating real-world scenarios to evaluate database performance.

Tools

FeatureValueDefinition
command line clientredis-cliit means "sql client" for database supporting SQL. For embedded atabase, the client includes the server together.

Export Regulations

FeatureValueDefinition
JurisdictionUSWhich country controls export
ECCNNoneAn Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-character alphanumeric code used to categorize items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) for export control purposes. Most database may fall into 5D992.c category, "mass market encryption", which means it has some ordinary encryption related code, for example, the SSL connection code.
Eligible License Exception / CCATS

Not required

There is no ECCN for open source software
A License Exception is an authorization that allows you to export or reexport items subject to the EAR without needing to obtain a specific export license, provided certain conditions are met. CCATS stands for Commodity Classification Automated Tracking System. The BIS assigns a CCATS number to products that it has classified under the Commerce Control List (CCL).
Encryption ComponentsSSLCrypto functionality that triggers control

Internal

FeatureValueDefinition

Internal - Optimizer

FeatureValueDefinition

Internal - Runtime

FeatureValueDefinition

Internal - Storage Engine

FeatureValueDefinition
ACID: durability mechanismAOFHow is it implements durability. Database's classic way is write ahead logging (WAL).