knex vs sequelize vs mysql vs mariadb
Database Interaction Libraries Comparison
3 Years
knexsequelizemysqlmariadbSimilar Packages:
What's Database Interaction Libraries?

Database interaction libraries in Node.js provide developers with tools to connect, query, and manipulate databases from their applications. These libraries abstract the complexities of database communication, allowing for easier data retrieval, insertion, updating, and deletion. They often support various database systems, provide query building capabilities, and may include features like connection pooling, transaction management, and ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) functionality. Examples include knex, mariadb, mysql, and sequelize, each offering unique features and capabilities for different use cases.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
knex2,235,879
19,944874 kB1,2162 years agoMIT
sequelize2,103,802
30,1052.91 MB9834 months agoMIT
mysql947,095
18,531-1736 years agoMIT
mariadb157,738
395702 kB2617 days agoLGPL-2.1-or-later
Feature Comparison: knex vs sequelize vs mysql vs mariadb

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 backends.

  • sequelize:

    sequelize is an ORM that supports various SQL databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server. It provides a unified API for interacting with different database systems.

  • mysql:

    The mysql package is focused on MySQL databases, offering a straightforward interface for connecting and interacting with MySQL servers. It does not support other database systems.

  • mariadb:

    mariadb is specifically designed for MariaDB and MySQL databases, providing optimized support for features unique to these systems, such as JSON data types and advanced indexing.

Query Building

  • knex:

    knex provides a powerful query builder that allows for both programmatic and raw SQL query construction. It supports complex queries, joins, and transactions while maintaining a fluent API.

  • sequelize:

    sequelize offers a high-level API for query building through its ORM features. It allows developers to define models, associations, and perform queries using a more abstracted and structured approach.

  • mysql:

    The mysql package allows for raw SQL query execution and supports prepared statements, but it does not include a query builder. Developers write SQL queries directly in their code.

  • mariadb:

    mariadb allows for raw SQL query execution and supports prepared statements, but it does not provide a built-in query builder. Developers can write SQL queries directly or use external libraries for query building.

ORM Capabilities

  • knex:

    knex does not provide built-in ORM capabilities, but it can be used alongside other ORM libraries or frameworks. It focuses on query building and database interaction without abstracting data models.

  • sequelize:

    sequelize is a full-featured ORM that provides data modeling, associations, migrations, and validations. It abstracts database interactions, allowing developers to work with data using JavaScript objects.

  • mysql:

    The mysql package is a database driver and does not offer ORM capabilities. It provides low-level access to MySQL databases for executing queries and managing connections.

  • mariadb:

    mariadb is a database driver and does not include ORM features. It is designed for direct database interaction and does not provide abstractions for data modeling.

Connection Pooling

  • knex:

    knex supports connection pooling out of the box, allowing for efficient management of database connections and improved performance for applications with high concurrency.

  • sequelize:

    sequelize supports connection pooling and allows developers to configure pool settings, such as the maximum number of connections, idle time, and connection timeout.

  • mysql:

    The mysql package supports connection pooling through its built-in pool feature, allowing multiple connections to be managed and reused, improving performance in concurrent applications.

  • mariadb:

    mariadb supports connection pooling, which helps manage multiple database connections efficiently and reduces the overhead of establishing new connections for each request.

Ease of Use: Code Examples

  • knex:

    Example of using knex for query building and database interaction:

    const knex = require('knex')({
      client: 'mysql',
      connection: {
        host: 'localhost',
        user: 'your_user',
        password: 'your_password',
        database: 'your_database'
      }
    });
    
    // Querying data
    knex('users').select('*').where('id', 1).then(rows => {
      console.log(rows);
    }).catch(err => {
      console.error(err);
    }).finally(() => {
      knex.destroy();
    });
    
  • sequelize:

    Example of using sequelize for ORM-based database interaction:

    const { Sequelize, DataTypes } = require('sequelize');
    const sequelize = new Sequelize('your_database', 'your_user', 'your_password', {
      host: 'localhost',
      dialect: 'mysql'
    });
    
    const User = sequelize.define('User', {
      name: { type: DataTypes.STRING, allowNull: false },
      email: { type: DataTypes.STRING, allowNull: false, unique: true }
    });
    
    async function run() {
      await sequelize.sync(); // Create table if it doesn't exist
      const user = await User.create({ name: 'John Doe', email: 'john@example.com' });
      console.log(user.toJSON());
    }
    
    run().catch(console.error);
    
  • mysql:

    Example of using mysql for database interaction:

    const mysql = require('mysql');
    const connection = mysql.createConnection({
      host: 'localhost',
      user: 'your_user',
      password: 'your_password',
      database: 'your_database'
    });
    
    connection.connect(err => {
      if (err) throw err;
      console.log('Connected to the database');
    
      connection.query('SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?', [1], (err, results) => {
        if (err) throw err;
        console.log(results);
        connection.end();
      });
    });
    
  • mariadb:

    Example of using mariadb for database interaction:

    const mariadb = require('mariadb');
    const pool = mariadb.createPool({
      host: 'localhost',
      user: 'your_user',
      password: 'your_password',
      database: 'your_database'
    });
    
    async function queryDatabase() {
      let conn;
      try {
        conn = await pool.getConnection();
        const rows = await conn.query('SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?', [1]);
        console.log(rows);
      } catch (err) {
        console.error(err);
      } finally {
        if (conn) conn.release();
      }
    }
    
    queryDatabase();
    
How to Choose: knex vs sequelize vs mysql vs mariadb
  • knex:

    Choose knex if you need a flexible SQL query builder that supports multiple database systems. It is ideal for projects that require raw SQL capabilities with a structured approach, allowing for complex queries while maintaining database-agnosticism.

  • sequelize:

    Choose sequelize if you prefer an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) solution that provides a high-level abstraction for database interactions. It supports multiple database systems, offers model-based data manipulation, and includes features like migrations, associations, and validations.

  • mysql:

    Opt for mysql if you need a simple and reliable driver for MySQL databases. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for projects that require basic database connectivity without the need for advanced features.

  • mariadb:

    Select mariadb if you are specifically working with MariaDB or MySQL databases and need a driver that supports modern features like async/await, connection pooling, and prepared statements. It is optimized for performance and compatibility with MariaDB.

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();