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

Node.js ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) libraries provide a way to interact with databases using JavaScript objects instead of SQL queries. They abstract the database interactions, allowing developers to work with database records as if they were regular JavaScript objects. This abstraction simplifies database operations, promotes code reusability, and enhances maintainability. Each ORM has its unique features, design philosophies, and use cases, making it essential to choose the right one based on project requirements and developer preferences.

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knex2,119,74319,628874 kB1,179a year agoMIT
sequelize2,064,01129,8002.91 MB9604 months agoMIT
typeorm2,056,18534,92220.4 MB2,548a year agoMIT
bookshelf61,2786,361-2375 years agoMIT
orange-orm15,6817261.95 MB79 days agoISC
Feature Comparison: knex vs sequelize vs typeorm vs bookshelf vs orange-orm

Design Philosophy

  • knex:

    Knex is designed as a SQL query builder rather than a full ORM. Its philosophy revolves around providing a powerful and flexible way to construct SQL queries programmatically while allowing developers to retain control over the raw SQL when needed.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize adopts a comprehensive design philosophy, offering a wide range of features and capabilities. It aims to provide a powerful and flexible ORM experience, catering to complex applications that require robust data modeling and management.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM is designed to leverage TypeScript's features, promoting strong typing and advanced object-oriented programming practices. It supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns, allowing developers to choose their preferred approach.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf follows a simple and intuitive design philosophy, focusing on providing a straightforward API for defining models and relationships. It emphasizes flexibility and ease of use, making it suitable for developers who want to avoid complex abstractions.

  • orange-orm:

    Orange ORM is built with simplicity in mind, aiming to provide a minimalistic approach to ORM functionality. It focuses on performance and ease of integration, making it a good choice for developers looking for a lightweight solution.

Learning Curve

  • knex:

    Knex has a moderate learning curve as it requires understanding SQL concepts to effectively use its query-building capabilities. However, once familiar with its syntax, developers can create complex queries with ease.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and options. While it offers powerful capabilities, developers may need time to understand its various functionalities and best practices for usage.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM's learning curve can be steep for those not familiar with TypeScript or advanced ORM concepts. However, its strong typing and comprehensive documentation can help mitigate this challenge for TypeScript developers.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf has a relatively gentle learning curve, especially for those familiar with Knex.js. Its straightforward API and documentation make it easy for developers to get started quickly without extensive prior knowledge of ORM concepts.

  • orange-orm:

    Orange ORM is designed to be easy to learn, with a simple API that allows developers to quickly grasp its functionality. Its minimalistic approach reduces the complexity often associated with ORM libraries.

Extensibility

  • knex:

    Knex is highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom query builders and integrate with various database types. Its modular design enables easy addition of custom functionality without altering the core library.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize offers extensive extensibility options through hooks, custom validators, and associations. Developers can easily extend its functionality to meet specific application requirements, making it suitable for complex projects.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM is highly extensible, supporting custom repositories, decorators, and middleware. Its architecture allows developers to create complex data models and integrate additional features seamlessly.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf is extensible through plugins and custom model methods, allowing developers to add additional functionality as needed. This flexibility makes it suitable for projects that may require unique features.

  • orange-orm:

    Orange ORM is designed to be lightweight and simple, which limits its extensibility compared to larger ORMs. However, it allows for basic customization through model definitions and hooks.

Performance

  • knex:

    Knex is known for its performance as a query builder, allowing developers to write optimized SQL queries directly. Its lightweight nature ensures that it does not introduce significant overhead, making it suitable for high-performance applications.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize's performance can vary depending on the complexity of the models and relationships. While it provides many features, developers must be mindful of potential performance bottlenecks in large applications with complex queries.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM offers good performance, especially with TypeScript's static typing. However, its performance can be impacted by the complexity of relationships and lazy loading features. Developers should optimize their queries and data access patterns to maintain performance.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf's performance is generally good for most applications, but it may not be as optimized as some larger ORMs. Its reliance on Knex.js allows for efficient query building, but complex relationships can impact performance.

  • orange-orm:

    Orange ORM is designed for performance, focusing on minimal overhead and efficient data access. It is suitable for applications where speed is a critical factor, especially in smaller projects.

How to Choose: knex vs sequelize vs typeorm vs bookshelf vs orange-orm
  • knex:

    Choose Knex if you need a SQL query builder that can work with multiple database types. It is not an ORM but provides powerful query building capabilities and is useful for projects that require raw SQL queries alongside some ORM features.

  • sequelize:

    Choose Sequelize if you need a feature-rich ORM that supports multiple dialects (Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, etc.) and offers extensive features like migrations, associations, and validations. It is well-suited for larger applications that require robust database interactions.

  • typeorm:

    Choose TypeORM if you are working with TypeScript and need a full-featured ORM that supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns. It is ideal for applications that require strong typing and advanced features like lazy loading and complex relationships.

  • bookshelf:

    Choose Bookshelf if you prefer a lightweight ORM that is built on top of Knex.js and provides a simple way to model relationships between tables. It is ideal for projects that need flexibility and a straightforward API without too many abstractions.

  • orange-orm:

    Choose Orange ORM if you want a lightweight and easy-to-use ORM that focuses on simplicity and performance. It is suitable for small to medium-sized applications that require basic ORM functionality without the overhead of larger frameworks.

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 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 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.

Similar Npm Packages to orange-orm

orange-orm is an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library designed for Node.js applications. It provides a simple and intuitive way to interact with databases using JavaScript objects, allowing developers to perform database operations without writing raw SQL queries. With features like schema management, migrations, and query building, orange-orm aims to streamline the development process when working with relational databases. However, there are several other popular ORM libraries that serve as alternatives. Here are a few:

  • 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 elegant way to interact with relational databases while supporting features like relations, virtuals, and pagination. bookshelf is particularly useful for developers who prefer a more traditional ORM approach and want to leverage the power of Knex for building complex queries. It is well-suited for applications that require a straightforward ORM with support for relationships between models.

  • knex is not an ORM in the traditional sense but rather a SQL query builder for Node.js. It allows developers to construct SQL queries using a fluent and chainable API. While it does not provide the full ORM capabilities, it can be used in conjunction with other libraries to manage database interactions. knex is ideal for developers who want more control over their SQL queries and prefer to work closer to the database layer without the abstraction that comes with a full ORM.

  • sequelize is a widely-used promise-based 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, migrations, and transaction support. sequelize is a great choice for developers looking for a comprehensive ORM solution that provides a robust set of tools for managing database interactions and relationships.

  • typeorm is another powerful ORM for Node.js and TypeScript applications. It supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns, allowing developers to choose the approach that best fits their needs. typeorm is designed to work seamlessly with TypeScript, providing strong typing and decorators for defining models. It is an excellent choice for developers who want to leverage TypeScript's features while working with a full-featured ORM.

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