Databases & Data Storage
Vertical Scaling
Definition
Vertical scaling, or scaling up, means adding more power (CPU, RAM, Storage) to an existing machine to handle more load.
Why It Matters
Vertical scaling is often simpler than horizontal scaling because it doesn't require changes to the application architecture. However, there is a physical limit to how much you can scale up a single machine, and it can become very expensive.
Contextual Example
A company's database server is becoming slow. They perform a vertical scale by upgrading it to a machine with a faster CPU, more RAM, and faster SSDs.
Common Misunderstandings
- Traditional relational databases are easier to scale vertically than horizontally.
- It is contrasted with horizontal scaling.