Bookshelf is a JavaScript ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) library for Node.js, built on top of the Knex SQL query builder. It provides a simple and elegant way to interact with databases by mapping database tables to JavaScript objects. Bookshelf supports various database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and others, making it versatile for different project requirements.
Alternatives:
objection-+
sequelize-+
typeorm-+
prisma-+
waterline-+
mongoose-+
knex-+
massive-js-+
slonik-+
mikro-orm-+
Tags: javascriptORMNode.jsdatabaseSQL
waterline
v0.15.2(over 1 year ago)
Waterline is a data persistence layer for Node.js applications that provides a simple data access layer with support for various databases. It offers a unified API for interacting with different database systems, allowing developers to switch between databases without changing their code significantly. Waterline supports features like schemaless data modeling, associations, and validation.
Both Bookshelf and Waterline are popular npm packages for working with databases in Node.js. However, Bookshelf has been around for longer and has a larger community and user base compared to Waterline.
ORM vs ODM
Bookshelf is an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library that focuses on working with relational databases, while Waterline is an Object-Document Mapping (ODM) library that supports both relational and NoSQL databases. The choice between the two depends on the type of database you are working with.
Flexibility
Waterline is known for its flexibility and supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and more. It provides a unified API for working with different databases, making it easier to switch between them. Bookshelf, on the other hand, is more focused on relational databases and provides a more specialized API for working with them.
Features
Both libraries provide features like query building, data validation, and associations. However, Bookshelf has a more extensive set of features and provides additional functionalities like eager loading, transaction support, and model lifecycle events. Waterline, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and ease of use, providing a more lightweight and straightforward API.
Community and Documentation
Bookshelf has a larger and more active community compared to Waterline. It has been widely adopted and has a mature ecosystem with extensive documentation, tutorials, and community support. Waterline, although less popular, still has a supportive community and sufficient documentation to get started.
Performance
In terms of performance, Bookshelf is known for its efficiency and optimized queries. Waterline, being more flexible and supporting multiple databases, may have a slight performance overhead due to its abstraction layer. However, the performance difference may not be significant for most use cases.
