Lua API and benchmark design using 3n+1 sequences: Comparing API elegance and raw speed in Redis and YottaDB databases

Elegance of a database API matters to the programmer. Frequently, database APIs provide rudimentary functionality without thinking about the programmer's desire for elegant yet efficient syntax. This article discusses API design that is both elegant and efficient. It does so, firstly, by comparing the Lua APIs for two separate databases, Redis and YottaDB. Secondly, it benchmarks both databases using each API to implement a 3n+1 sequence generator (of Collatz Conjecture fame) against both databases. It will cover the eccentricities of the Lua APIs, the databases, and the nifty choice of benchmark tool. Finally, the benchmark results are presented showing the respective speed benefits of each database's unique design.