---
title: "Key Concepts to Understand Database Sharding"
description: "Explore key concepts of database sharding with vertical/horizontal strategies."
image: "https://assets.bytebytego.com/diagrams/0096-dbshards.png"
createdAt: "2024-03-09"
draft: false
categories:
  - database-and-storage
tags:
  - "Database Sharding"
  - "Database Design"
---

![](https://assets.bytebytego.com/diagrams/0096-dbshards.png)

In this concise and visually engaging resource, we break down the key concepts of database partitioning, explaining both vertical and horizontal strategies.

## Range-Based Sharding

Splitting your data into distinct ranges. Think of it as organizing your books by genre on separate shelves.

## Key-Based Sharding (with a dash of %3 hash)

Imagine each piece of data having a unique key, and we distribute them based on a specific rule. It's like sorting your playing cards by suit and number.

## Directory-Based Sharding

A directory, like a phone book, helps you quickly find the information you need. Similarly, this technique uses a directory to route data efficiently.