knex vs sequelize vs drizzle-orm vs bookshelf
Node.js ORM Libraries Comparison
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What's Node.js ORM Libraries?

Node.js ORM libraries are tools that facilitate database interactions by providing an abstraction layer over SQL queries. They allow developers to work with databases using JavaScript objects instead of writing raw SQL, enhancing productivity and maintainability. These libraries typically support various database systems, provide features like migrations, relationships, and querying capabilities, and help in enforcing data integrity and validation. Choosing the right ORM can significantly impact the development process, performance, and scalability of applications.

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knex2,179,88319,636874 kB1,182a year agoMIT
sequelize1,997,74029,8102.91 MB9594 months agoMIT
drizzle-orm1,043,47726,5929.81 MB1,3684 days agoApache-2.0
bookshelf65,7656,361-2375 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: knex vs sequelize vs drizzle-orm vs bookshelf

Type Safety

  • knex:

    Knex.js offers limited type safety, primarily as a query builder. While it can be used with TypeScript, it requires additional type definitions to achieve a higher level of type safety.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize provides decent type safety when used with TypeScript, allowing developers to define models and their relationships with type annotations, which helps in reducing runtime errors.

  • drizzle-orm:

    Drizzle ORM is designed with TypeScript in mind, offering strong type safety throughout its API. This ensures that developers can catch type-related errors at compile time, enhancing the reliability of database interactions.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf does not inherently provide type safety, as it is built on Knex.js, which is a query builder. However, it can be used with TypeScript by defining interfaces for models and using type assertions.

Learning Curve

  • knex:

    Knex.js has a low learning curve for those familiar with SQL, as it allows developers to write SQL queries in a programmatic way. However, it lacks ORM features, which may require additional learning if you need to manage models and relationships.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive features and capabilities. Understanding its model definitions, associations, and lifecycle hooks can take time, but it offers comprehensive documentation to assist new users.

  • drizzle-orm:

    Drizzle ORM has a gentle learning curve, particularly for TypeScript developers. Its API is intuitive, and the emphasis on type safety makes it easier to understand and use effectively.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf has a moderate learning curve, especially for those familiar with Knex.js. Its simplicity makes it easy to pick up, but understanding its relationship management may take some time.

Performance

  • knex:

    Knex.js is highly performant as a query builder, allowing for optimized SQL queries. However, performance can vary based on how queries are constructed and executed, requiring careful consideration by developers.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize can introduce some overhead due to its extensive features, but it offers various optimization techniques, such as eager loading and transaction management, to improve performance in complex applications.

  • drizzle-orm:

    Drizzle ORM is optimized for performance, focusing on minimizing overhead and providing efficient query execution. Its design allows for fine-tuning and performance enhancements in TypeScript applications.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf's performance is generally good, but it can be impacted by the underlying Knex.js queries. Optimizing queries and managing relationships efficiently is crucial for maintaining performance.

Extensibility

  • knex:

    Knex.js is highly extensible as a query builder, allowing developers to create custom query functions and integrate with various database systems. Its flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize offers extensive extensibility options, including custom model methods, hooks, and plugins. This makes it a powerful choice for developers looking to customize their ORM experience.

  • drizzle-orm:

    Drizzle ORM is designed to be extensible, allowing developers to create custom queries and hooks easily. Its modular architecture supports adding new features without significant overhead.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf is extensible through plugins and custom model methods, allowing developers to enhance its functionality as needed. However, its extensibility is somewhat limited compared to more comprehensive ORMs.

Community and Support

  • knex:

    Knex.js has a large and active community, providing extensive resources, plugins, and support. Its popularity ensures that developers can find help and examples easily.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a robust community and extensive documentation, making it one of the most popular ORMs in the Node.js ecosystem. It offers a wealth of resources, tutorials, and third-party plugins.

  • drizzle-orm:

    Drizzle ORM is relatively new but growing quickly, with an enthusiastic community. Its documentation is clear, and it is gaining traction among TypeScript developers.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf has a smaller community compared to some other ORMs, which may result in fewer resources and third-party plugins. However, it is still actively maintained and has decent documentation.

How to Choose: knex vs sequelize vs drizzle-orm vs bookshelf
  • knex:

    Select Knex if you need a SQL query builder rather than a full ORM. It provides a flexible and powerful way to construct SQL queries programmatically, making it a good choice for projects where you want fine-grained control over database interactions without the overhead of an ORM.

  • sequelize:

    Choose Sequelize if you need a comprehensive and feature-rich ORM that supports multiple SQL dialects and provides extensive functionality, including migrations, associations, and hooks. It is well-suited for larger applications that require a robust solution for managing complex data relationships.

  • drizzle-orm:

    Opt for Drizzle ORM if you are looking for a modern TypeScript-first ORM that emphasizes type safety and developer experience. It is suitable for applications that require strong typing and a focus on performance, especially with SQL databases.

  • bookshelf:

    Choose Bookshelf if you prefer a simple, lightweight ORM that is built on top of Knex.js and offers a straightforward approach to managing relationships and models. It is ideal for projects that require flexibility without the complexity of a full-fledged ORM.

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 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 drizzle-orm

drizzle-orm is a modern TypeScript ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library designed for SQL databases. It aims to provide a simple and type-safe way to interact with databases, allowing developers to write queries in a more intuitive and readable manner. With its focus on TypeScript, drizzle-orm offers strong type inference, making it easier to catch errors at compile time rather than runtime. While drizzle-orm is a powerful option for database interaction, there are several alternatives available in the Node.js ecosystem. Here are a few notable ones:

  • 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 flexible way to interact with relational databases while supporting features like relations, virtuals, and pagination. Bookshelf is a great choice for developers who want a straightforward ORM that integrates well with Knex and offers a rich set of features for managing database relationships.

  • knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that can be used with various SQL databases. While it is not an ORM in the traditional sense, it provides a powerful and flexible way to construct SQL queries programmatically. Knex allows developers to write raw SQL queries or build complex queries using its fluent API. If you prefer to have more control over your SQL queries without the abstraction layer of an ORM, Knex is an excellent choice.

  • sequelize is a popular and feature-rich ORM for Node.js that supports multiple SQL dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It offers a wide range of features, including associations, transactions, migrations, and more. Sequelize is well-suited for developers who need a comprehensive ORM solution with extensive documentation and community support. Its flexibility and powerful features make it a go-to choice for many developers working with relational databases.

To see how drizzle-orm compares with bookshelf, knex, and sequelize, check out the comparison: Comparing bookshelf vs drizzle-orm vs knex vs sequelize.

Similar Npm Packages to bookshelf

bookshelf is an elegant JavaScript ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) for Node.js, built on top of the Knex.js SQL query builder. It provides a simple and intuitive way to interact with relational databases, allowing developers to define models, manage relationships, and perform queries with ease. Bookshelf is particularly useful for applications that require a structured approach to database interactions while leveraging the flexibility of Knex for raw SQL queries when needed.

While Bookshelf is a solid choice for ORM in Node.js applications, there are several alternatives that also provide robust database interaction capabilities. Here are a few noteworthy options:

  • knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that provides a flexible and powerful interface for building and executing SQL queries. Unlike Bookshelf, which is an ORM, Knex focuses solely on query building and does not impose any specific structure on your data models. This makes it a great choice for developers who prefer to write raw SQL queries or need more control over their database interactions without the overhead of an ORM.

  • sequelize is another popular ORM for Node.js that supports multiple SQL dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It offers a rich set of features, including model validation, associations, and migrations, making it a comprehensive solution for managing database interactions. Sequelize is known for its extensive documentation and active community, making it a strong alternative to Bookshelf for developers looking for a feature-rich ORM.

  • waterline is an ORM used primarily with the Sails.js framework, but it can also be used independently. Waterline provides a simple data access layer that works with various databases, allowing developers to interact with different data sources using a unified API. Its focus on abstraction makes it a good choice for applications that require flexibility in switching between different database systems.

For a detailed comparison of these packages, check out the following link: Comparing bookshelf vs knex vs sequelize vs waterline.

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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