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Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Vector Database vs Knowledge Graph: What to Use for RAG

Last Updated

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

By

Rishav Hada
Rishav Hada
Rishav Hada

Time to read

16 mins

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Introduction

AI tools are growing fast. With this growth, the need for smart data tools also rises. A top innovation is the Vector Database. But what is it, and why is it so important?

A vector database stores and searches data using vector numbers. These vectors log images, sounds, and text, among other things. Vector databases find data using these vectors rather than rows and columns. This makes image search and recommendations especially good, as well as chores.


  1. How Does a Vector Database Work?

Data is turned into vector databases. These vectors have meaning that directs more clever search results.

Key Features:

  • Fast Similarity Search: Finds objects like vector math.

  • Works with Unstructured Data: Handles text, audio, pictures, and more.

  • Scalable: Can rapidly manage billions of records.

  • AI-Friendly: Interacts with NLP artificial intelligence systems and image recognition tools.

Artificial intelligence systems can run faster and make better decisions thanks to this configuration.

Vector Database illustration showing vector embeddings, ANN similarity search, and AI-powered query retrieval for NLP and RAG applications

Image 1: Vector Database Workflow

What Are the Benefits and Limits of Vector Databases?

Benefits:

  • Generates intelligent, quick search results.

  • Supports several forms of disorganised knowledge.

  • Works nicely for models of artificial intelligence.

  • Tools to handle enormous amounts of data.

Limitations:

  • Does not display the data's relationships.

  • Calls for difficult arithmetic and setup.

  • Not fit for routinely ordered data.

  • Devotes a lot of computational capability.


  1. Why Are Knowledge Graphs Important for Business AI?

Knowledge graphs arrange data using unambiguous links unlike vector databases. They reveal the connections amongst objects. This enables computers to understand meaning and guide their decisions.

3.1 How Does a Knowledge Graph Work?

Rules link sites, objects, and people in knowledge graphs. They are excellent for precisely tracking data and posing insightful questions.

Key Features:

  • Shows Relationships: Explicitly connects data.

  • Understands Context: Gives the links purpose.

  • Shares Data Well: Combines information from many sources.

These features make knowledge graphs ideal for corporate uses.

3.2 What Are the Pros and Cons of Knowledge Graphs?

Pros:

  • Clearly clarifies choices.

  • Perfect for challenging searches.

  • Aids in data organisation.

  • Provides intelligent analysis.

Cons:

  • Difficult to update and build.

  • Needs professional knowledge.

  • Slower for fast searches.

  • Can use lots of resources.


  1. When Should You Choose a Vector Database?

When your data is unstructured and you need fast search, use a vector database.

Use Cases:

  • AI Search Tools: Improves smart search in apps.

  • Chatbots and NLP: Helps machines understand meaning.

  • Image or Audio Search: Finds similar files easily.

  • Fraud and Risk Detection: Spots strange patterns fast.


  1. When Should You Choose a Knowledge Graph?

Use a knowledge graph when you need structure, meaning, or rules.

Use Cases:

  • Business Knowledge: Connects information from several teams.

  • Better Recommendations: Matches consumers with material.

  • Semantic Search: Concentrates on user meaning.

  • Regulatory Needs: Facilitates audits and rule tracking.


  1. How Do Vector Databases and Knowledge Graphs Compare?

In-depth comparsion of Knowkedge Graphs & Vector Databases

Table 1: Difference between Knowledge Graphs & Vector Databases


  1. Why Use Both: Vector Databases and Knowledge Graphs?

You are not obliged to select only one. Combining lets you have the best of speed and logic.

Benefits:

  • Smarter Questions and Answers: Graphs give meaning; vectors find their place.

  • Better Personalization: Combines guidelines and actions.

  • Improved Risk Detection: Matches data and checks it.

Together, they make AI smarter and faster.


Conclusion

Vector databases and knowledge graphs both have certain benefits. Your intended use for it as well as your choice will be decided by your data.

  • Choose a vector database for quick searches.

  • Choose a knowledge graph for ordered, logical data.

  • Use both for stronger artificial intelligence.

Future AGI lets teams combine these tools to create reliable AI models. With a low-code interface, our platform lets you reach better accuracy and launch faster.

FAQs

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

What is the main difference between vector databases and knowledge graphs?

When should I use a vector database over a knowledge graph?

What are knowledge graphs best suited for?

Can vector databases handle structured data?

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Rishav Hada is an Applied Scientist at Future AGI, specializing in AI evaluation and observability. Previously at Microsoft Research, he built frameworks for generative AI evaluation and multilingual language technologies. His research, funded by Twitter and Meta, has been published in top AI conferences and earned the Best Paper Award at FAccT’24.

Rishav Hada is an Applied Scientist at Future AGI, specializing in AI evaluation and observability. Previously at Microsoft Research, he built frameworks for generative AI evaluation and multilingual language technologies. His research, funded by Twitter and Meta, has been published in top AI conferences and earned the Best Paper Award at FAccT’24.

Rishav Hada is an Applied Scientist at Future AGI, specializing in AI evaluation and observability. Previously at Microsoft Research, he built frameworks for generative AI evaluation and multilingual language technologies. His research, funded by Twitter and Meta, has been published in top AI conferences and earned the Best Paper Award at FAccT’24.

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