prisma vs mongoose vs knex vs typeorm vs sequelize vs objection vs bookshelf vs waterline
Node.js ORM Libraries Comparison
1 Year
prismamongooseknextypeormsequelizeobjectionbookshelfwaterline
What's Node.js ORM Libraries?

Node.js ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) libraries facilitate the interaction between Node.js applications and databases by providing a higher-level abstraction over raw SQL queries. They allow developers to work with database records as JavaScript objects, simplifying data manipulation and retrieval. Each ORM has its unique features, design philosophies, and use cases, making it essential to choose the right one based on project requirements, database compatibility, and development preferences.

Package Weekly Downloads Trend
Github Stars Ranking
Stat Detail
Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
prisma3,493,42842,25418.2 MB2,28815 days agoApache-2.0
mongoose3,177,88327,2212.86 MB211a day agoMIT
knex2,327,67919,798874 kB1,199a year agoMIT
typeorm2,290,90735,31120.6 MB2,4627 days agoMIT
sequelize1,906,09229,9842.91 MB9652 months agoMIT
objection137,8437,321645 kB1128 months agoMIT
bookshelf80,0476,367-2375 years agoMIT
waterline28,6625,4101.3 MB33-MIT
Feature Comparison: prisma vs mongoose vs knex vs typeorm vs sequelize vs objection vs bookshelf vs waterline

Database Support

  • prisma:

    Prisma supports various databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and SQL Server, and provides a unified API for querying across different database types.

  • mongoose:

    Mongoose is specifically designed for MongoDB, providing a rich set of features tailored to work with document-based databases and their unique data structures.

  • knex:

    Knex is a SQL query builder that supports multiple database engines, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and Oracle, making it versatile for different projects.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM supports various SQL databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server, as well as MongoDB, providing a comprehensive solution for different data storage needs.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize supports multiple SQL dialects, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and Microsoft SQL Server, making it a flexible choice for SQL-based applications.

  • objection:

    Objection.js supports SQL databases through Knex.js, offering compatibility with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, while allowing for raw SQL queries when needed.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf supports various SQL databases through Knex.js, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite, allowing for seamless integration with existing SQL databases.

  • waterline:

    Waterline supports multiple databases, including MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite, offering a simple data access layer for various backends.

Data Modeling

  • prisma:

    Prisma's data modeling is done through a schema file, allowing for type-safe queries and automatic migrations, making it easy to manage complex data relationships in TypeScript projects.

  • mongoose:

    Mongoose provides a powerful schema-based modeling system, allowing developers to define data structures with validation, default values, and custom methods, making it ideal for MongoDB applications.

  • knex:

    Knex does not provide built-in data modeling but allows for raw SQL queries, giving developers full control over how they structure and interact with their data.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns, allowing developers to choose their preferred approach for data modeling while providing decorators for defining entities and relationships.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize provides a robust model definition system with support for associations, validations, and hooks, allowing for comprehensive data modeling in SQL applications.

  • objection:

    Objection.js offers a flexible model system that supports relations and allows for defining complex queries while still enabling raw SQL when necessary, providing a balance between abstraction and control.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf allows for defining models with relationships, enabling developers to create complex data structures and handle associations easily, such as one-to-many and many-to-many relationships.

  • waterline:

    Waterline offers a simple model definition system that supports associations and provides a straightforward API for data manipulation, suitable for smaller projects.

Learning Curve

  • prisma:

    Prisma has a gentle learning curve, particularly for TypeScript developers, as it provides type-safe queries and a clear schema definition, making it easy to get started.

  • mongoose:

    Mongoose has a steeper learning curve due to its schema-based approach and the need to understand MongoDB's document model, but offers powerful features once mastered.

  • knex:

    Knex has a relatively low learning curve for those familiar with SQL, as it provides a fluent API for building queries without the complexity of an ORM.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM has a moderate learning curve, especially for TypeScript developers, as it requires understanding decorators and entity relationships, but it offers a structured approach to data management.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize has a moderate learning curve due to its extensive feature set, but once familiar with its conventions, developers can leverage its powerful capabilities effectively.

  • objection:

    Objection.js has a moderate learning curve, especially for those familiar with SQL and Knex.js, as it combines both query building and ORM features in a straightforward manner.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf has a moderate learning curve, especially for those familiar with Knex.js, as it builds on its query capabilities while adding ORM features.

  • waterline:

    Waterline has a simple learning curve, making it easy to get started for smaller projects, but may lack advanced features for larger applications.

Performance

  • prisma:

    Prisma is designed for performance, with a focus on generating optimized SQL queries and leveraging a powerful query engine, making it suitable for high-demand applications.

  • mongoose:

    Mongoose's performance is optimized for MongoDB, but the overhead of its schema and validation features can impact speed if not managed properly.

  • knex:

    Knex offers high performance as a query builder, allowing developers to write optimized SQL queries directly, ensuring efficient database interactions.

  • typeorm:

    TypeORM's performance is generally good, but it can be impacted by the complexity of relationships and the use of decorators, requiring careful management for optimal results.

  • sequelize:

    Sequelize's performance can vary depending on the complexity of the models and queries, but it provides features like eager loading and caching to enhance efficiency.

  • objection:

    Objection.js provides good performance by leveraging Knex.js for query building, allowing for efficient data retrieval while maintaining the benefits of an ORM.

  • bookshelf:

    Bookshelf's performance is generally good for most applications, but it may lag behind raw SQL queries in terms of speed due to its abstraction layer.

  • waterline:

    Waterline's performance is adequate for smaller projects, but it may not be as efficient as other ORMs for larger applications due to its abstraction layer.

How to Choose: prisma vs mongoose vs knex vs typeorm vs sequelize vs objection vs bookshelf vs waterline
  • prisma:

    Choose Prisma if you want a modern ORM that provides type safety, auto-completion, and a powerful query engine, making it ideal for TypeScript projects and complex data models.

  • mongoose:

    Choose Mongoose if you are working with MongoDB and need a powerful schema-based solution that includes built-in validation, middleware, and support for complex data relationships.

  • knex:

    Choose Knex if you need a SQL query builder that supports multiple database engines and prefer writing raw SQL queries with a fluent API, without the overhead of a full ORM.

  • typeorm:

    Choose TypeORM if you prefer a TypeScript-first ORM that supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns, making it suitable for complex applications with a strong focus on type safety.

  • sequelize:

    Choose Sequelize if you need a feature-rich ORM that supports multiple SQL dialects and offers a wide range of built-in functionalities, including migrations, associations, and hooks.

  • objection:

    Choose Objection.js if you want a SQL-friendly ORM that is built on top of Knex.js, offering a simple API for working with relational data while allowing raw SQL queries when necessary.

  • bookshelf:

    Choose Bookshelf if you prefer a lightweight ORM built on top of Knex.js, providing a simple and flexible way to interact with SQL databases while supporting relations and eager loading.

  • waterline:

    Choose Waterline if you are looking for a simple and flexible ORM that works with multiple databases and provides a straightforward API for data access, suitable for smaller projects.

README for prisma

Prisma

Discord

Quickstart   •   Website   •   Docs   •   Examples   •   Blog   •   Discord   •   Twitter

What is Prisma?

Prisma is a next-generation ORM that consists of these tools:

  • Prisma Client: Auto-generated and type-safe query builder for Node.js & TypeScript
  • Prisma Migrate: Declarative data modeling & migration system
  • Prisma Studio: GUI to view and edit data in your database

Prisma Client can be used in any Node.js or TypeScript backend application (including serverless applications and microservices). This can be a REST API, a GraphQL API a gRPC API, or anything else that needs a database.

Getting started

The fastest way to get started with Prisma is by following the Quickstart (5 min).

The Quickstart is based on a preconfigured SQLite database. You can also get started with your own database (PostgreSQL and MySQL) by following one of these guides:

Community

Prisma has a large and supportive community of enthusiastic application developers. You can join us on Discord and here on GitHub.

Security

If you have a security issue to report, please contact us at security@prisma.io.

Support

Ask a question about Prisma

You can ask questions and initiate discussions about Prisma-related topics in the prisma repository on GitHub.

👉 Ask a question

Create a bug report for Prisma

If you see an error message or run into an issue, please make sure to create a bug report! You can find best practices for creating bug reports (like including additional debugging output) in the docs.

👉 Create bug report

Submit a feature request

If Prisma currently doesn't have a certain feature, be sure to check out the roadmap to see if this is already planned for the future.

If the feature on the roadmap is linked to a GitHub issue, please make sure to leave a +1 on the issue and ideally a comment with your thoughts about the feature!

👉 Submit feature request

Contributing

Refer to our contribution guidelines and Code of Conduct for contributors.

Tests Status

  • Prisma Tests Status:
    CI
  • Ecosystem Tests Status:
    Actions Status