knex vs typeorm vs sequelize vs @adonisjs/lucid
Node.js ORM Libraries Comparison
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What's Node.js ORM Libraries?

Node.js ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) libraries facilitate database interactions by providing a higher-level abstraction over SQL queries, allowing developers to work with database records as JavaScript objects. These libraries streamline the process of database management, enabling developers to perform CRUD operations without writing raw SQL. They often include features such as migrations, schema management, and relationship handling, making it easier to build and maintain data-driven applications. The choice of ORM can significantly impact development speed, code maintainability, and the overall architecture of the application.

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knex2,163,61519,641874 kB1,183a year agoMIT
typeorm2,100,36434,95420.9 MB2,542a day agoMIT
sequelize1,986,43629,8142.91 MB9553 hours agoMIT
@adonisjs/lucid38,3421,107883 kB312 months agoMIT
Feature Comparison: knex vs typeorm vs sequelize vs @adonisjs/lucid

Database Support

  • knex:

    Knex supports a wide range of SQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and Oracle. Its flexibility allows developers to switch between different database systems with minimal changes to the codebase.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM supports various SQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server, as well as NoSQL databases like MongoDB. This broad support allows developers to choose the best database for their application's needs.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize supports multiple SQL dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server. This versatility makes it a good choice for applications that may need to adapt to different database systems over time.

  • @adonisjs/lucid:

    Lucid primarily supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, making it suitable for most web applications that require relational databases. It integrates seamlessly with AdonisJS, providing a cohesive development experience.

Learning Curve

  • knex:

    Knex has a relatively low learning curve, as it allows developers to write SQL queries in a fluent style. However, it may require a deeper understanding of SQL for more complex queries.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM has a moderate to steep learning curve, particularly for those new to TypeScript or Object-Relational Mapping. Its dual support for Active Record and Data Mapper patterns can be confusing for beginners.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and conventions. Developers must familiarize themselves with its model definition, associations, and lifecycle hooks to use it effectively.

  • @adonisjs/lucid:

    Lucid has a moderate learning curve, especially for those familiar with AdonisJS. Its API is designed to be intuitive for developers who are accustomed to working within the Adonis ecosystem.

Features and Extensibility

  • knex:

    Knex is primarily a query builder and does not provide ORM features like migrations or model definitions out of the box. However, it is highly extensible, allowing developers to integrate it with other libraries or frameworks as needed.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM offers a rich feature set, including migrations, caching, and support for complex relationships. Its extensibility allows developers to define custom repositories and decorators, making it highly adaptable to various application needs.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize provides a comprehensive set of features, including migrations, associations, hooks, and validations. Its extensibility allows developers to create custom methods and plugins to enhance functionality.

  • @adonisjs/lucid:

    Lucid offers built-in features such as migrations, seeding, and a powerful query builder. It is designed to be extensible within the AdonisJS framework, allowing developers to create custom models and relationships easily.

Performance

  • knex:

    Knex is lightweight and performs well for simple queries, but performance may degrade with complex joins or large datasets due to its reliance on raw SQL. Developers have full control over query optimization.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM is designed for performance, especially with its support for lazy loading and caching. However, its performance can be affected by the complexity of the entity relationships and the use of decorators.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize can introduce overhead due to its extensive features and abstractions. However, it provides options for optimizing performance, such as eager loading and transaction management to minimize database calls.

  • @adonisjs/lucid:

    Lucid is optimized for performance within the AdonisJS framework, utilizing lazy loading and efficient query generation. However, performance can vary based on the complexity of the queries and relationships defined.

Community and Support

  • knex:

    Knex has a large community and is widely used, resulting in extensive documentation and numerous tutorials available online. It is well-supported and regularly updated.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM has a growing community, particularly among TypeScript developers. Its documentation is thorough, and there are many resources available, though it may not be as extensive as Sequelize.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a robust community and extensive documentation, making it easier for developers to find support and resources. Its popularity ensures a wealth of third-party plugins and integrations.

  • @adonisjs/lucid:

    Lucid benefits from the AdonisJS community, which is growing but smaller compared to other ORMs. Documentation is comprehensive, but community resources may be limited.

How to Choose: knex vs typeorm vs sequelize vs @adonisjs/lucid
  • knex:

    Choose Knex if you prefer a lightweight SQL query builder that allows you to write raw SQL while providing a fluent interface for building queries. It is ideal for projects that require flexibility and control over SQL without the overhead of a full ORM.

  • typeorm:

    Choose TypeORM if you are working with TypeScript and want a robust ORM that supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns. It is ideal for applications that benefit from TypeScript's strong typing and require advanced features like lazy loading and caching.

  • sequelize:

    Choose Sequelize if you need a full-featured ORM that supports multiple SQL dialects and provides extensive features like associations, migrations, and hooks. It is suitable for applications that require complex data relationships and need to manage multiple database types.

  • @adonisjs/lucid:

    Choose Lucid if you are building an application with the AdonisJS framework and want a seamless integration with its ecosystem. It offers a rich set of features tailored for AdonisJS, including a powerful query builder and support for relationships.

Similar Npm Packages to knex

knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that provides a flexible and powerful way to interact with databases. It supports various SQL dialects and allows developers to build complex queries using a fluent API. Knex is particularly useful for projects that require raw SQL capabilities while still benefiting from a programmatic interface. However, there are several alternatives that offer different features and paradigms for database interaction. Here are a few notable ones:

  • bookshelf is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library built on top of Knex. It provides a higher-level abstraction for working with databases, allowing developers to define models and relationships between them. Bookshelf is ideal for applications that require a more structured approach to data management, as it simplifies the process of defining models, handling relationships, and performing CRUD operations. If you're looking for an ORM that leverages the power of Knex while providing a more intuitive interface, Bookshelf is a great choice.

  • sequelize is another popular ORM for Node.js that supports multiple SQL dialects. It offers a rich set of features, including model validation, associations, and migrations. Sequelize is known for its comprehensive documentation and community support, making it a solid option for developers who need a feature-rich ORM. If your application requires advanced ORM capabilities and you prefer a more opinionated structure, Sequelize might be the right fit.

  • typeorm is an ORM for TypeScript and JavaScript that supports various SQL databases as well as MongoDB. It is designed to work seamlessly with TypeScript, providing decorators and a type-safe API. TypeORM is particularly useful for developers who want to leverage TypeScript's features while working with a relational database. If you're building a TypeScript application and need an ORM that integrates well with TypeScript's type system, TypeORM is an excellent choice.

To see how Knex compares with Bookshelf, Sequelize, and TypeORM, check out the comparison: Comparing bookshelf vs knex vs sequelize vs typeorm.

Similar Npm Packages to typeorm

typeorm is an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library for TypeScript and JavaScript applications. It provides a powerful and flexible way to interact with databases, allowing developers to work with database entities as if they were regular JavaScript objects. TypeORM supports various database systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more, making it a versatile choice for many applications. Its features include support for migrations, relations, and eager/lazy loading, which help streamline database interactions and improve productivity.

While TypeORM is a popular choice, there are several alternatives in the Node.js ecosystem that also provide ORM capabilities. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • bookshelf is a JavaScript ORM for Node.js that is built on top of the Knex.js SQL query builder. It provides a simple and intuitive API for interacting with relational databases while supporting features like relations, virtuals, and pagination. Bookshelf is a great option if you prefer a lightweight ORM that offers flexibility and ease of use, especially if you are already using Knex for query building.
  • knex is primarily a SQL query builder for Node.js, but it can also be used as a foundation for building your own ORM. It provides a powerful and flexible way to construct SQL queries and supports various database systems. If you need fine-grained control over your SQL queries and prefer to build your own data access layer, Knex is an excellent choice. However, it requires more manual setup compared to full-fledged ORMs like TypeORM or Bookshelf.
  • sequelize is another popular ORM for Node.js that supports various SQL dialects, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. It offers a rich set of features, including model validation, associations, and migrations. Sequelize is known for its extensive documentation and active community, making it a solid choice for developers looking for a comprehensive ORM solution. If you need a robust and feature-rich ORM with a focus on SQL databases, Sequelize is worth considering.

To see how TypeORM compares with Bookshelf, Knex, and Sequelize, check out the comparison: Comparing bookshelf vs knex vs sequelize vs typeorm.

Similar Npm Packages to sequelize

sequelize is a promise-based Node.js ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library that provides a powerful and flexible way to interact with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server. It allows developers to define models, perform queries, and manage relationships between data in a more intuitive manner, abstracting away the complexities of raw SQL queries. Sequelize is particularly popular for its rich feature set, including support for transactions, migrations, and associations.

While Sequelize is a robust choice for ORM in Node.js applications, there are several alternatives that developers might consider:

  • bookshelf is an ORM for Node.js that is built on top of the Knex.js SQL query builder. It provides a simple and elegant way to interact with databases while supporting features like relations, virtuals, and pagination. Bookshelf is particularly well-suited for projects that require a lightweight ORM with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. If you prefer a more minimalistic approach and want to leverage Knex.js for building queries, Bookshelf is a great option.

  • objection is another ORM for Node.js that is also built on top of Knex.js. It aims to provide a more powerful and flexible alternative to Bookshelf by supporting advanced features such as eager loading, transactions, and complex queries. Objection is designed for developers who need more control over their database interactions while still benefiting from the simplicity of an ORM. If your application requires complex relationships and queries, Objection may be the right choice.

  • waterline is an ORM that is part of the Sails.js framework but can also be used independently. It provides a simple data access layer that works with various databases, including SQL and NoSQL options. Waterline abstracts the database interactions, allowing developers to work with a unified API regardless of the underlying database. If you are building an application with Sails.js or need a versatile ORM that supports multiple database types, Waterline is worth considering.

To see how Sequelize compares with Bookshelf, Objection, and Waterline, check out the comparison: Comparing bookshelf vs objection vs sequelize vs waterline.

Similar Npm Packages to @adonisjs/lucid

@adonisjs/lucid is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library for the AdonisJS framework, designed to simplify database interactions in Node.js applications. It provides a powerful and intuitive API for managing database queries, migrations, and relationships, making it easier for developers to work with various database systems. While @adonisjs/lucid is a robust choice for AdonisJS applications, there are several alternatives available in the Node.js ecosystem that offer similar functionalities. Here are a few notable ones:

  • knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that is designed to be flexible and powerful. It supports multiple database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, and allows developers to construct complex SQL queries using a fluent API. Knex is particularly useful for projects that require raw SQL capabilities while still benefiting from a structured approach to building queries. If you prefer a lightweight solution that gives you more control over your SQL statements, knex is an excellent choice.

  • sequelize is a promise-based ORM for Node.js that supports various SQL dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It provides a comprehensive set of features for managing database models, relationships, and migrations. Sequelize is well-suited for applications that require a full-featured ORM with built-in support for associations, validations, and transactions. If you are looking for a robust ORM with extensive documentation and community support, Sequelize is a strong contender.

  • typeorm is another powerful ORM for Node.js and TypeScript, designed to work with various database systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. TypeORM emphasizes the use of decorators and TypeScript features, making it a great choice for developers who prefer a type-safe approach to database interactions. It supports advanced features like lazy loading, migrations, and relations, making it suitable for complex applications. If you are building a TypeScript application and want an ORM that leverages TypeScript's strengths, TypeORM is an excellent option.

To see how @adonisjs/lucid compares with knex, sequelize, and typeorm, check out the comparison: Comparing @adonisjs/lucid vs knex vs sequelize vs typeorm.

README for knex

knex.js

npm version npm downloads Coverage Status Dependencies Status Gitter chat

A SQL query builder that is flexible, portable, and fun to use!

A batteries-included, multi-dialect (PostgreSQL, MySQL, CockroachDB, MSSQL, SQLite3, Oracle (including Oracle Wallet Authentication)) query builder for Node.js, featuring:

Node.js versions 12+ are supported.

You can report bugs and discuss features on the GitHub issues page or send tweets to @kibertoad.

For support and questions, join our Gitter channel.

For knex-based Object Relational Mapper, see:

  • https://github.com/Vincit/objection.js
  • https://github.com/mikro-orm/mikro-orm
  • https://bookshelfjs.org

To see the SQL that Knex will generate for a given query, you can use Knex Query Lab

Examples

We have several examples on the website. Here is the first one to get you started:

const knex = require('knex')({
  client: 'sqlite3',
  connection: {
    filename: './data.db',
  },
});

try {
  // Create a table
  await knex.schema
    .createTable('users', (table) => {
      table.increments('id');
      table.string('user_name');
    })
    // ...and another
    .createTable('accounts', (table) => {
      table.increments('id');
      table.string('account_name');
      table.integer('user_id').unsigned().references('users.id');
    });

  // Then query the table...
  const insertedRows = await knex('users').insert({ user_name: 'Tim' });

  // ...and using the insert id, insert into the other table.
  await knex('accounts').insert({
    account_name: 'knex',
    user_id: insertedRows[0],
  });

  // Query both of the rows.
  const selectedRows = await knex('users')
    .join('accounts', 'users.id', 'accounts.user_id')
    .select('users.user_name as user', 'accounts.account_name as account');

  // map over the results
  const enrichedRows = selectedRows.map((row) => ({ ...row, active: true }));

  // Finally, add a catch statement
} catch (e) {
  console.error(e);
}

TypeScript example

import { Knex, knex } from 'knex';

interface User {
  id: number;
  age: number;
  name: string;
  active: boolean;
  departmentId: number;
}

const config: Knex.Config = {
  client: 'sqlite3',
  connection: {
    filename: './data.db',
  },
};

const knexInstance = knex(config);

try {
  const users = await knex<User>('users').select('id', 'age');
} catch (err) {
  // error handling
}

Usage as ESM module

If you are launching your Node application with --experimental-modules, knex.mjs should be picked up automatically and named ESM import should work out-of-the-box. Otherwise, if you want to use named imports, you'll have to import knex like this:

import { knex } from 'knex/knex.mjs';

You can also just do the default import:

import knex from 'knex';

If you are not using TypeScript and would like the IntelliSense of your IDE to work correctly, it is recommended to set the type explicitly:

/**
 * @type {Knex}
 */
const database = knex({
  client: 'mysql',
  connection: {
    host: '127.0.0.1',
    user: 'your_database_user',
    password: 'your_database_password',
    database: 'myapp_test',
  },
});
database.migrate.latest();
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