knex vs sequelize vs pg-promise vs libsql
Node.js Database Libraries Comparison
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What's Node.js Database Libraries?

Node.js database libraries facilitate interaction between Node.js applications and various databases, providing a structured way to perform database operations such as querying, inserting, updating, and deleting records. These libraries often abstract the complexities of raw SQL queries, enabling developers to work with a more intuitive API. They can vary significantly in terms of features, design philosophies, and supported database systems, making it essential to choose the right one based on the specific requirements of a project.

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knex2,311,91019,726874 kB1,193a year agoMIT
sequelize1,755,15129,9172.91 MB95514 days agoMIT
pg-promise474,8403,500426 kB323 days agoMIT
libsql134,37126141.5 kB4110 days agoMIT
Feature Comparison: knex vs sequelize vs pg-promise vs libsql

Query Building

  • knex:

    Knex provides a fluent query builder interface that allows developers to construct complex SQL queries programmatically. It supports various SQL dialects and enables raw SQL execution, giving flexibility in how queries are formed and executed.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize abstracts the query building process by providing a high-level API for defining models and relationships. It automatically generates SQL queries based on the defined models, which can simplify the development process but may obscure the underlying SQL.

  • pg-promise:

    pg-promise excels in building complex queries with its powerful query formatting capabilities. It allows for parameterized queries and supports advanced PostgreSQL features, making it suitable for intricate database interactions.

  • libsql:

    LibSQL offers a straightforward API for executing SQL commands directly, focusing on simplicity rather than complex query building. It is designed for developers who prefer writing raw SQL without additional abstraction layers.

ORM Features

  • knex:

    Knex is primarily a query builder and does not provide full ORM capabilities. It allows for migrations and schema building but lacks built-in support for model relationships and validations, making it more suitable for developers who prefer manual control over their database interactions.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize is a full-featured ORM that supports model definitions, associations, and validations. It provides a rich set of features for managing relationships between models, making it ideal for applications that require a comprehensive data modeling solution.

  • pg-promise:

    pg-promise is not a traditional ORM but provides some ORM-like features such as transactions and connection management. It allows for more control over SQL execution while still supporting some level of abstraction.

  • libsql:

    LibSQL does not offer ORM features; it focuses on providing a simple interface for executing SQL commands. This makes it lightweight and easy to use for straightforward database operations without the complexity of an ORM.

Learning Curve

  • knex:

    Knex has a moderate learning curve, especially for developers familiar with SQL. Its query builder syntax is intuitive, but understanding how to leverage its full capabilities may take some time for beginners.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a relatively steep learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set and the need to understand its model-based approach. However, once mastered, it can significantly speed up development for applications with complex data relationships.

  • pg-promise:

    pg-promise has a steeper learning curve due to its focus on PostgreSQL's advanced features. Developers need to be familiar with PostgreSQL concepts to fully utilize its capabilities, but it offers extensive documentation to aid learning.

  • libsql:

    LibSQL is designed to be simple and easy to learn, making it an excellent choice for developers who want to quickly integrate a database without the overhead of complex abstractions.

Performance

  • knex:

    Knex can be highly performant for building queries, but performance may vary based on how queries are constructed. Developers have the flexibility to optimize queries as needed, but this requires a good understanding of SQL performance best practices.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize can introduce some overhead due to its abstraction layer, which may affect performance in high-load situations. However, it provides options for optimizing queries and managing connections to mitigate performance issues.

  • pg-promise:

    pg-promise is optimized for PostgreSQL and can handle complex queries efficiently. Its support for connection pooling and transactions helps maintain performance in high-load scenarios, making it suitable for production applications.

  • libsql:

    LibSQL is lightweight and performs well for simple operations, making it suitable for applications that do not require complex queries or large datasets. Its performance is optimal for embedded database scenarios.

Database Support

  • knex:

    Knex supports multiple SQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and Oracle, making it a versatile choice for projects that may need to switch databases or support multiple database types.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize supports various SQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server. This makes it a flexible choice for applications that may need to work with different database systems.

  • pg-promise:

    pg-promise is tailored for PostgreSQL, providing deep integration with its features. It is the best choice for applications that are committed to using PostgreSQL as their database system.

  • libsql:

    LibSQL is specifically designed for SQLite, making it an ideal choice for applications that require a lightweight, file-based database without the need for complex SQL features.

How to Choose: knex vs sequelize vs pg-promise vs libsql
  • knex:

    Choose Knex if you need a flexible SQL query builder that supports multiple database systems and allows for raw SQL queries alongside a fluent API. It's ideal for projects that require complex queries and migrations without being tied to a specific ORM.

  • sequelize:

    Choose Sequelize if you prefer a full-fledged ORM that provides a rich set of features, including model validation, associations, and migrations. It's suitable for applications that need a robust data modeling layer and want to leverage the power of an ORM.

  • pg-promise:

    Choose pg-promise if you are working specifically with PostgreSQL and need a powerful library that supports advanced features like transactions, connection pooling, and query formatting. It’s ideal for applications that require deep integration with PostgreSQL's capabilities.

  • libsql:

    Choose LibSQL if you are looking for a lightweight, SQLite-compatible library that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It's suitable for applications that require a simple, embedded database solution without the overhead of a full 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 pg-promise

pg-promise is a powerful and flexible library for interacting with PostgreSQL databases in Node.js applications. It provides a promise-based interface for executing SQL queries and managing database connections, making it easier to work with PostgreSQL in a modern JavaScript environment. With features like automatic connection management, query formatting, and support for transactions, pg-promise is an excellent choice for developers looking to build robust applications that require database interactions.

While pg-promise is a great option for PostgreSQL, there are several alternatives in the Node.js ecosystem that also facilitate database interactions. Here are a few notable alternatives:

  • bookshelf is an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library for Node.js that is built on top of knex. It provides a simple and intuitive way to work with relational databases, allowing developers to define models and relationships between them. bookshelf is particularly useful for those who prefer working with an ORM that abstracts SQL queries while still allowing for raw SQL execution when needed. If you are looking for a library that combines the power of knex with an ORM layer, bookshelf is a solid choice.

  • knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that supports multiple database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It provides a flexible and powerful way to construct SQL queries using a fluent API, making it easier to build complex queries without writing raw SQL. knex is ideal for developers who want fine-grained control over their SQL queries while still benefiting from a promise-based interface. If you need a versatile query builder that can work with various databases, knex is an excellent option.

  • sequelize is another popular ORM for Node.js that supports multiple database systems, 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 well-suited for developers who want an all-in-one solution for ORM capabilities, including support for complex relationships and transactions. If you are building a large application that requires extensive database interactions, sequelize provides a robust framework to work with.

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

Similar Npm Packages to libsql

libsql is a lightweight SQL database client for Node.js that provides a simple and efficient way to interact with SQL databases. It is designed to work seamlessly with various SQL databases, offering a straightforward API for executing queries, managing connections, and handling transactions. While libsql is a great choice for developers looking for a minimalistic SQL client, there are several alternatives available that offer different features and capabilities. Here are a few notable options:

  • knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that supports multiple database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It provides a powerful and flexible API for constructing complex SQL queries using JavaScript syntax. Knex is ideal for developers who want more control over their SQL queries while still benefiting from a clean and readable syntax. It also includes features such as migrations and seed management, making it a comprehensive solution for database management in Node.js applications.

  • pg-promise is a powerful and flexible PostgreSQL library for Node.js that provides a promise-based interface for interacting with PostgreSQL databases. It offers advanced features such as connection pooling, automatic query formatting, and transaction management. If you are specifically working with PostgreSQL and need a robust solution that takes full advantage of its features, pg-promise is an excellent choice. Its promise-based API allows for easy integration with modern JavaScript async/await patterns.

  • sequelize is a popular ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library for Node.js that supports multiple SQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It allows developers to interact with databases using JavaScript objects instead of raw SQL queries, making it easier to manage database interactions in a more structured way. Sequelize provides features such as model validation, associations, and migrations, making it a powerful choice for applications that require a more abstracted approach to database management.

To see how libsql compares with knex, pg-promise, and sequelize, check out the comparison: Comparing knex vs libsql vs pg-promise vs sequelize.

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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