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Prisma vs TypeORM: What are the differences?

Prisma and TypeORM are two popular and widely used object-relational mapping (ORM) tools for database management in web development. Let's explore the key differences between them.

  1. Database Support: Prisma supports a wide range of databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and SQL Server, allowing developers to seamlessly switch between different database systems. On the other hand, TypeORM also offers support for multiple databases, but it additionally provides support for NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Couchbase, making it a more versatile choice for applications with hybrid database requirements.

  2. Data Query Language: Prisma utilizes GraphQL as its default query language, providing a strongly typed, efficient, and flexible way of interacting with the database. TypeORM, on the other hand, uses a traditional SQL-based approach, allowing developers to leverage their existing SQL knowledge and skills. This makes Prisma a more suitable choice for modern applications that require real-time data updates and complex data relationships, while TypeORM may be preferred for applications with simpler data models.

  3. Database Structure Synchronization: Prisma automatically manages and synchronizes the database schema based on the Prisma schema file, eliminating the need for manual migrations. TypeORM, on the other hand, requires developers to write and execute database migration scripts to update the database schema. This makes Prisma a more intuitive and developer-friendly choice for handling database schema changes, especially in collaborative development environments.

  4. Performance and Scalability: Prisma adopts a more lightweight and optimized approach in handling database queries, leveraging its query engine to provide high-performance data access with built-in caching and batching capabilities. TypeORM, while still efficient in its own right, may not offer the same level of performance as Prisma, particularly in scenarios with complex and frequent database interactions. Therefore, for applications that prioritize performance and scalability, Prisma may be a preferable choice.

  5. Community and Ecosystem: Prisma has gained significant traction in the web development community due to its modern and forward-thinking approach, resulting in an active and growing community of developers and contributors. This enables developers to take advantage of a wide range of community-developed libraries, plugins, and tools that integrate seamlessly with Prisma. TypeORM, while also having a dedicated following, may not enjoy the same level of community support and ecosystem as Prisma.

  6. Type Safety and Developer Experience: Prisma offers a high degree of type safety, leveraging the type system of the underlying programming language (such as TypeScript) to enable early detection of potential data model errors and provide comprehensive code intelligence. TypeORM, while also providing strong typing support, may not offer the same level of type safety and developer experience as Prisma. This makes Prisma a more robust and reliable choice for handling complex and evolving data models.

In summary, Prisma simplifies database access with a type-safe and auto-generated query builder, focusing on ease of use and a modern developer experience. TypeORM is a feature-rich ORM with a broader ecosystem, offering flexibility and extensive database support but with a more traditional approach.

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Pros of Prisma
Pros of TypeORM
  • 12
    Type-safe database access
  • 10
    Open Source
  • 8
    Auto-generated query builder
  • 6
    Supports multible database systems
  • 6
    Increases confidence during development
  • 4
    Built specifically for Postgres and TypeScript
  • 4
    Productive application development
  • 2
    Supports multible RDBMSs
  • 2
    Robust migrations system
  • 29
    Typescript
  • 11
    Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, MS SQL Ser
  • 9
    Easy setup
  • 8
    Cons of TypeORM
  • 7
    Promise Based
  • 7
    Works in NodeJS, Browser, Ionic, Cordova and Electron p
  • 6
    Support MySQL & MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MSSQL, Sqlite
  • 1
    Support MongoDB

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Cons of Prisma
Cons of TypeORM
  • 2
    Doesn't support downward/back migrations
  • 1
    Doesn't support JSONB
  • 1
    Do not support JSONB
  • 1
    Mutation of JSON is really confusing
  • 1
    Do not support JSONB
  • 5
    Completely abandoned by its creator
  • 3
    Too complex for what it does
  • 2
    Doesn't really support native javascript
  • 1
    Not proper/real type safety
  • 1
    Cannot use query on any relation

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What is Prisma?

Prisma is an open-source database toolkit. It replaces traditional ORMs and makes database access easy with an auto-generated query builder for TypeScript & Node.js.

What is TypeORM?

It supports both Active Record and Data Mapper patterns, unlike all other JavaScript ORMs currently in existence, which means you can write high quality, loosely coupled, scalable, maintainable applications the most productive way.

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What tools integrate with Prisma?
What tools integrate with TypeORM?
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    What are some alternatives to Prisma and TypeORM?
    AWS AppSync
    AWS AppSync automatically updates the data in web and mobile applications in real time, and updates data for offline users as soon as they reconnect. AppSync makes it easy to build collaborative mobile and web applications that deliver responsive, collaborative user experiences.
    Apollo
    Build a universal GraphQL API on top of your existing REST APIs, so you can ship new application features fast without waiting on backend changes.
    Hasura
    An open source GraphQL engine that deploys instant, realtime GraphQL APIs on any Postgres database.
    Sequelize
    Sequelize is a promise-based ORM for Node.js and io.js. It supports the dialects PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite and MSSQL and features solid transaction support, relations, read replication and more.
    Zscaler
    It is a global cloud-based information security company that provides Internet security, web security, firewalls, sandboxing, SSL inspection, antivirus, vulnerability management and granular control of user activity in cloud computing, mobile and Internet of things environments.
    See all alternatives