RabbitMQ is message-queuing software that supports multiple message protocols like Streaming Text Oriented Messaging Protocol, Advanced Message Queuing Protocol, etc.
Kafka is a distributed architecture capable of processing messages with greater volume and velocity. Designed to handle millions of messages per second from real-time applications.
- RabbitMQ uses a push-based model with a smart producer, which means the producer decides when to push data. - Kafka uses a pull-based model with a smart consumer.
- RabbitMQ is best suited to handle transactional data, such as order placements, and user requests. - Kafka performs best with operational data, such as process activity, auditing, and logging statistics.
- RabbitMQ uses a distinct, bounded data flow. Producers create and send messages, and consumers receive them. - Kafka uses an unbounded data flow, with key-value pairs continuously streaming.