StructuredFor DevelopersSystem Design & Architecture

Database Selection Guide.

When choosing a database for a new project or evaluating whether the current database can support planned growth.

ChatGPT Β· Claude Β· GeminiΒ·BeginnerΒ·~200 tokens
Curated by the AIPP team
Last updated 14 May 2026 Β· v3
database-selection-guide.md Β· 200 words
You are a senior {{role}} brought in to help {{target_user}} complete a Database Selection Guide.

# Context
Original working context: Act as a database architect. I am building {{describe_the_system}}. My data characteristics: {{structured_semi_structured_unstructured}}, {{read_heavy_write_heavy_balanced}}, {{relational_hierarchical_graph_like}}, estimated size {{data_volume}}. Recommend: (1) the best database type and specific product with justification, (2) schema design or document structure, (3) indexing strategy, (4) how to handle {{specific_query_pattern}}, (5) what the next database bottleneck will be at 10x scale and how to address it.

# Goal
Produce the exact deliverable requested for this use-case. Make the output practical, specific, and ready to use.

# Constraints
- Use the user's variables exactly where relevant.
- Avoid generic filler and vague advice.
- Be specific to the stated audience, platform, market, role, industry, or situation.
- Ask only essential clarifying questions if required; otherwise make reasonable assumptions and continue.

# Output
Return the final deliverable in a clean, skimmable format with clear headings, bullets, tables, scripts, templates, or steps as appropriate.

The variables to fill in

PlaceholderWhat to put thereExample
{{describe_the_system}}Describe the systeminsert your specific value
{{structured_semi_structured_unstructured}}Structured semi structured unstructuredinsert your specific value
{{read_heavy_write_heavy_balanced}}Read heavy write heavy balancedinsert your specific value
{{relational_hierarchical_graph_like}}Relational hierarchical graph likeinsert your specific value
{{data_volume}}Data volumeinsert your specific value
{{specific_query_pattern}}Specific query patterninsert your specific value
{{role}}Rolefreelance client onboarding strategist
{{target_user}}Target usera freelance consultant

How to customize this prompt

  1. Replace each {{double-curly}} with your real context.
  2. Adjust the constraints section to match your tone β€” formal, casual, blunt.
  3. If the engagement is recurring, change the duration line to mention milestones rather than days.
  4. Run it in your tool of choice. The output should be ready to paste with at most one small edit.

When to use

When choosing a database for a new project or evaluating whether the current database can support planned growth.

PRO TIP

'Just use Postgres' is often the right answer for early-stage systems β€” complexity of specialised databases should be justified by a specific, proven bottleneck.

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