Databases & Data Storage
Vector Database
Definition
A vector database is a type of database designed to store, manage, and search high-dimensional vector embeddings. These embeddings are mathematical representations of data, often generated by machine learning models.
Why It Matters
Vector databases are crucial for AI and machine learning applications. They enable powerful similarity searches, allowing applications to find "most similar" items based on their meaning or features, rather than just exact keyword matches.
Contextual Example
An e-commerce site uses a vector database to power its visual search. When a user uploads a photo of a dress, the system converts the image into a vector and uses the vector database to find the most visually similar dresses in its product catalog.
Common Misunderstandings
- They are a key enabling technology for applications involving Large Language Models (LLMs), semantic search, and recommendation engines.
- Popular vector databases include Pinecone, Weaviate, and Milvus. Some traditional databases like PostgreSQL are also adding vector search capabilities.