OLTP stands for online transaction processing (OLTP), whereas OLAP stands for online analytical processing. Both OLTP and OLAP are online processing systems. The basic difference between OLTP and OLAP is that OLTP works with the processing of transactions, and OLAP is more focused on analytical processing. Transactions refer to independent processes that are responsible for managing the data in a database. Relational Databases store transactional data. Let us understand these online processing systems better.
The essential functions of both these systems are:
In this article, we have enlightened the essential aspects of OLTP vs OLAP which will help you understand both OLTP and OLAP.
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The OLTP system maintains the transaction data in databases. There is a separate database record for every transaction. Organizations use OLTP for maintaining day-to-day transactions. It supports transactions in applications with 3-tier architecture.
OLTP focuses on processing transactions as fast as possible since the databases are read, written, and updated regularly. It also promises data integrity in case of any transaction failure with the use of pre-built system logic.
Organizations mainly use OLAP for projects in analytics, business intelligence, and data mining. It is a collection of software tools that provides data analysis for business decision-makers. This system's function is to apply complex queries to big aggregated historical data from the OLTP databases, among other sources.
OLAP focuses on response time to complex queries. Every query is independent with columns of aggregated data from different rows.
Databases and Data warehouses in OLAP enable the analysts and other decision-makers to make use of custom reporting tools to extract information from data. When it comes to failure in queries, the processing of transactions is not interrupted for customers. However, it can disrupt the accuracy of business intelligence information.
ETL stands for extract, transform, and load. In simple words, it connects OLTP and OLAP. The OLAP systems consume data from one or more OLTP databases through a process called extract, transform, load (ETL). Users use the ETL tool to collect and send data to a destination such as an OLAP data warehouse, where it is queried through analysis and business intelligence tools to obtain information.
While in OLTP, the main objective is data processing; in OLAP, it is data analysis.
Let's take a glance at the primary differences between both processing systems in the comparison table.
Difference | OLTP | OLAP |
Data source | Operational data. OLTP systems are the original data sources. | Consolidation data. OLAP data comes from the OLTP databases. |
Use | Responsible for controlling and running basic business tasks. | Responsible for planning, problem-solving and supporting business decisions. |
Queries | Queries are standard and straightforward. | Complex queries. |
Speed of processing | Fast speed. | Complex queries can take a long time to process. |
Backup and recovery | Frequent complete backups along with incremental backups. | No regular backups. Instead, OLTP data is reloaded as a recovery method. |
Process | Online transactional system. | Online analysis and data retrieving process. |
Method used | Uses traditional DBMS. | Uses a data warehouse. |
Quality of data | Detailed organization of data. | Disorganized data. |
Nature of audience | Market-oriented process. | Customer-oriented process. |
Database design | Application-oriented design. | Subject-oriented design. |
Types of users | Clerks, online shoppers, etc., use OLTP. | Data knowledge workers like managers and CEOs use OLAP. |
Productivity | Enhances the productivity of the user. | Enhances the productivity of business analysts. |
Updates | The user starts the data updates, which are short and fast. | Regular refreshing of data with long, scheduled batch jobs. |
Advantages of OLTP:
Advantages of OLAP:
Disadvantages of OLTP:
Disadvantages of OLAP:
In this OLTP vs OLAP article, we discussed the key features of OLTP and OLAP systems. We also looked at an overview of the differences between OLTP and OLAP in a comparison table. In summary, OLTP and OLAP are essential parts of the data warehousing domain.
We hope that learning about the differences between the methods in depth will help you build your data engineering foundation.
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I am Ruchitha, working as a content writer for MindMajix technologies. My writings focus on the latest technical software, tutorials, and innovations. I am also into research about AI and Neuromarketing. I am a media post-graduate from BCU – Birmingham, UK. Before, my writings focused on business articles on digital marketing and social media. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.