knex vs kysely

Side-by-side comparison of knex and kysely

knex v3.1.0 MIT
Weekly Downloads
3.4M
Stars
20.2K
Gzip Size
License
MIT
Last Updated
5d ago
Open Issues
702
Forks
2.2K
Unpacked Size
873.9 kB
Dependencies
kysely v0.28.11 MIT
Weekly Downloads
2.5M
Stars
13.4K
Gzip Size
37.3 kB
License
MIT
Last Updated
21h ago
Open Issues
153
Forks
376
Unpacked Size
3.3 MB
Dependencies
1

Download Trends

Download trends for knex and kysely03.1M6.2M9.3M12.4MFeb 25May 25Aug 25Nov 25Feb 26
knex
kysely

Verdict

knex excels as a comprehensive SQL query builder catering to a wide array of databases, making it suitable for larger applications requiring robust database support. Its extensive functionality and established user base cater to teams looking for a well-documented solution with rich features across various SQL databases.

In contrast, kysely offers type safety, making it an excellent choice for TypeScript projects requiring compile-time checks. It is better suited for developers who prioritize type safety in their queries, especially in smaller projects or teams familiar with TypeScript's ecosystem.

Transitioning to kysely may involve reworking existing SQL query syntax due to its type-safe approach, while knex users may appreciate the stability and community support surrounding its long-standing presence in the industry. Consider team familiarity and project requirements when choosing between these two options.

Detailed Comparison

Criteria knex kysely
Open Issues 702 open issues may indicate ongoing challenges for maintenance. 156 open issues suggest a more manageable level of feedback.
GitHub Stars 20.2K stars reflect robust community support and trust. 13.4K stars show a positive reception, though less than knex.
Unpacked Size 873.9 kB is relatively small for a feature-rich library. 3.3 MB is larger, which may affect loading times in some situations.
Learning Curve Established ecosystem with ample resources, but may be complex for newcomers. Focus on type safety may require a learning period for developers new to TypeScript.
Weekly Downloads 3.3M downloads indicate high popularity and community activity. 2.5M downloads suggest a growing but smaller user base.
Bundle Size (gzip) N/A provided. 37.3 kB is minimal, favoring performance for client-side usage.
Community Activity Highly active with substantial forks and contributions reflecting strong community involvement. Fewer forks and contributions suggest it is still maturing.
TypeScript Support Offers some type definitions but lacks full type safety. Designed with complete type safety in mind, making it ideal for TypeScript.
Overall Positioning Comprehensive SQL query builder for multiple databases. Type-safe SQL query builder primarily for TypeScript.
Use Case Flexibility Effective across various databases, increasing its versatility. Primarily focused on type-safe SQL, which may limit use cases in non-TypeScript projects.

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