ORMs vs. Query Builders for your Typescript application

This article compares four popular SQL libraries for TypeScript - Drizzle, Kysely, Prisma, and Zapatos. These libraries fall under two categories: Object-Relation Mappers (ORMs) and Query Builders. The comparison is based on factors such as learning curve, support for complex queries, SQL migrations, supported runtimes, and community engagement. Drizzle uses a SQL-like syntax for running queries and focuses on a function-based approach. Kysely and Zapatos use a Typescript-centric syntax focusing on type safety and interfaces. Prisma supports databases other than relational ones and favors a human-readable syntax that works with all types of databases. All four libraries support raw SQL queries using template tags, which make your queries SQL injection-proof. Drizzle and Prisma provide a similar approach to handling migrations using their respective CLIs. Kysely offers flexibility and strong typing but lacks a built-in CLI and requires developers to handle Typescript compilation. Drizzle, Kysely, and Zapatos work in edge-runtimes and Postgres using the @neondatabase/serverless driver or the @vercel/kysely driver, allowing developers to deploy their applications on edge networks for improved performance. Prisma does not support edge-runtimes with Postgres yet. In terms of community engagement, Prisma is the most popular with the highest weekly downloads and a robust community on Stack Overflow. Kysely and Zapatos' more direct representation of table schema, Typescript-centric syntax, and edge-runtime compatibility make it an attractive option for developers looking for a modern and efficient solution. Ultimately, the choice between these libraries will depend on factors such as project requirements, complexity of the schema, preference for a more flexible or automated approach, and community engagement.