Head-to-Head: knex.js vs Waterline Analysis

knex

v3.1.0(12 months ago)

This package is actively maintained.Types definitions are bundled with the npm packageNumber of direct dependencies: 14Monthly npm downloads

Knex is a SQL query builder for Node.js that allows you to interact with relational databases using JavaScript. It provides a fluent interface for building queries, making it easy to create complex SQL statements without writing raw SQL. Knex supports multiple database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and others, offering flexibility in database management.

Alternatives:
sequelize+
typeorm+
objection+
bookshelf+
mikro-orm+
waterline+
prisma+
massive+
pg-promise+
slonik+

Tags: node.jsSQLquery-builderrelational-databasesORM

waterline

v0.15.2(almost 2 years ago)

This package was last published over a year ago. It may not be actively maintained.Types definitions are provided via a separate npm package: @types/waterlineNumber of direct dependencies: 10Monthly npm downloads

Waterline is an object-relational mapping (ORM) library for Node.js that provides a simple data access layer for managing relational databases. It abstracts away the complexities of SQL queries and database interactions, allowing developers to work with database records as JavaScript objects. Waterline supports multiple database systems and provides a unified API for performing CRUD operations, data validation, and associations between different data models.

Alternatives:
sequelize+
typeorm+
objection+
bookshelf+
mikro-orm+
knex+
mongoose+
prisma+
loopback+
typeorm-seeding+

Tags: node.jsORMdatabaseSQLdata modeling

Fight!

Popularity

Knex is a widely used and popular query builder for Node.js and has a large community following. Waterline, on the other hand, is less popular and has a smaller community compared to Knex.

Database Support

Knex supports a wide range of databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more. It provides a consistent API for interacting with different databases. Waterline also supports multiple databases, but its primary focus is on providing an ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) layer that abstracts away the differences between databases.

Flexibility

Knex is a query builder that allows you to write raw SQL queries and provides a fluent interface for building complex queries. It gives you more control and flexibility over the generated SQL. Waterline, on the other hand, is an ORM that abstracts away the SQL and provides a higher-level API for working with databases. It is more opinionated and may be easier to use for simple CRUD operations.

Performance

Knex is known for its performance and efficiency in generating SQL queries. It allows you to optimize and fine-tune your queries for better performance. Waterline, being an ORM, may introduce some overhead due to the abstraction layer, but it provides convenience and ease of use.

Community and Documentation

Knex has a larger and more active community compared to Waterline. It has extensive documentation, tutorials, and a vibrant ecosystem of plugins and extensions. Waterline, although less popular, still has a decent amount of documentation and community support.

Maturity and Maintenance

Knex has been around for a longer time and is considered more mature and stable. It is actively maintained and regularly updated with new features and bug fixes. Waterline, while still maintained, may not have the same level of maturity and stability as Knex.