knex vs sequelize vs bookshelf vs waterline
Node.js ORM Libraries Comparison
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What's Node.js ORM Libraries?

Node.js ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) libraries provide developers with a way to interact with databases using JavaScript objects instead of SQL queries. They abstract the database interactions, allowing for easier management of data models and relationships. Each library has its own approach to handling database operations, providing varying levels of abstraction, flexibility, and features that cater to different project needs.

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knex2,306,52319,714874 kB1,193a year agoMIT
sequelize1,750,97229,9102.91 MB95811 days agoMIT
bookshelf54,7256,368-2375 years agoMIT
waterline28,8305,4101.3 MB32-MIT
Feature Comparison: knex vs sequelize vs bookshelf vs waterline

Abstraction Level

  • knex:

    Knex offers a low level of abstraction, functioning primarily as a SQL query builder. It allows developers to write SQL queries directly, giving them full control over the database interactions without the overhead of an ORM.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize provides a high level of abstraction, allowing developers to work with models, associations, and migrations without needing to write raw SQL. This can speed up development but may obscure some database interactions.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf provides a moderate level of abstraction, allowing developers to define models and relationships easily while still giving access to raw SQL queries through Knex. This makes it suitable for those who want simplicity without losing control.

  • waterline:

    Waterline offers a moderate to high level of abstraction, focusing on a simple API for data access while supporting multiple database types. It abstracts the underlying database interactions but can be less flexible than Knex.

Learning Curve

  • knex:

    Knex has a low learning curve for those familiar with SQL, as it allows for writing raw SQL queries. However, it may require additional effort for developers new to SQL or those expecting a more abstracted ORM experience.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a steeper learning curve due to its extensive feature set and conventions. Developers need to understand its model definitions, associations, and migration strategies, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf has a gentle learning curve, especially for those already familiar with Knex. Its straightforward API and documentation make it accessible for beginners while still offering advanced features for experienced developers.

  • waterline:

    Waterline has a moderate learning curve, particularly for those familiar with Sails.js. Its API is designed to be simple, but understanding its abstraction over different databases may take some time.

Performance

  • knex:

    Knex is highly performant as it allows for raw SQL queries, enabling developers to optimize their queries for specific use cases. However, performance depends on the quality of the SQL written by the developer.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize can introduce some overhead due to its abstraction layer, which may impact performance in highly complex queries. However, it provides features like query optimization and caching to help mitigate this.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf's performance is generally good for most applications, but it can be affected by the complexity of relationships and the number of queries made. Developers can optimize performance by carefully structuring their models and queries.

  • waterline:

    Waterline's performance can vary based on the underlying database and the complexity of the data interactions. While it simplifies data access, it may not be as performant as raw SQL queries in Knex.

Extensibility

  • knex:

    Knex is highly extensible, allowing developers to create custom query builders and plugins. Its flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications and database interactions.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize supports extensibility through hooks and custom methods, enabling developers to add functionality to models and queries. This allows for a tailored experience based on specific application requirements.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf is extensible through its plugin system, allowing developers to add custom functionality or modify existing features. This makes it adaptable for various project needs.

  • waterline:

    Waterline is designed to be extensible, particularly within the Sails.js framework. Developers can create custom adapters to support additional databases or modify existing behavior.

Community and Support

  • knex:

    Knex has a large and active community, providing extensive documentation and numerous resources for troubleshooting and learning. This makes it easier to find help and examples.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize boasts a large community and extensive documentation, making it one of the most popular ORMs in the Node.js ecosystem. This results in a wealth of resources, tutorials, and community support.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf has a smaller community compared to Sequelize, but it is well-documented and has a dedicated user base. Support can be found through GitHub and community forums.

  • waterline:

    Waterline has a smaller community, primarily focused around the Sails.js framework. While documentation is available, it may not be as extensive as that of the other libraries.

How to Choose: knex vs sequelize vs bookshelf vs waterline
  • knex:

    Choose Knex if you need a flexible SQL query builder that allows for raw SQL queries and supports multiple database types. It is ideal for developers who want more control over their queries and prefer to write SQL directly while still benefiting from a fluent API.

  • sequelize:

    Choose Sequelize if you require a full-featured ORM with extensive support for associations, transactions, and migrations. It is suitable for complex applications where you need a robust solution with a rich set of features and built-in support for various database dialects.

  • bookshelf:

    Choose Bookshelf if you prefer a simple, lightweight ORM that is built on top of Knex.js, providing a straightforward way to work with relational data and supports features like relations, virtuals, and pagination.

  • waterline:

    Choose Waterline if you are working with the Sails.js framework or need a data access layer that supports multiple database types with a simple API. It is designed for easy integration with Sails and provides a more abstracted approach to data management.

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 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 waterline

waterline is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library for Node.js applications, primarily designed to work with the Sails.js framework. It provides a simple and consistent API for interacting with various databases, allowing developers to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations without worrying about the underlying database implementation. Waterline supports multiple database adapters, making it versatile for applications that may need to switch between different databases.

While Waterline is a robust option for ORM in Node.js, there are several alternatives that developers can 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 relational databases using JavaScript objects. Bookshelf supports features such as relations, virtuals, and pagination, making it suitable for applications that require complex data relationships. If you are looking for a lightweight and flexible ORM that integrates well with Knex.js, Bookshelf is a great choice.

  • mongoose is a popular ODM (Object Document Mapping) library specifically designed for MongoDB and Node.js. It provides a schema-based solution to model application data, allowing developers to define data structures and enforce validation rules. Mongoose is well-suited for applications that heavily rely on MongoDB, offering features like middleware, population, and query building. If your project is centered around MongoDB, Mongoose is often the go-to choice for managing data.

  • sequelize is a promise-based ORM for Node.js that supports multiple SQL dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It offers a powerful set of features, including associations, transactions, and migrations. Sequelize is known for its flexibility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for developers who need to work with relational databases in a Node.js environment. If you require a comprehensive and feature-rich ORM that can handle various SQL databases, Sequelize is an excellent option.

To see how Waterline compares with Bookshelf, Mongoose, and Sequelize, check out the comparison: Comparing bookshelf vs mongoose 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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