kysely vs sequelize
Side-by-side comparison of kysely and sequelize
- 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
- Weekly Downloads
- 2.4M
- Stars
- 30.3K
- Gzip Size
- 314.9 kB
- License
- MIT
- Last Updated
- 20h ago
- Open Issues
- 1.0K
- Forks
- 4.3K
- Unpacked Size
- 2.9 MB
- Dependencies
- 18
Download Trends
Verdict
kysely is a type-safe SQL query builder that caters primarily to developers looking for a lightweight, performant way to construct SQL queries in TypeScript. Its appeal lies in its straightforward API and safety guarantees, particularly for projects focused on database interactions with a strong emphasis on type safety.
On the other hand, sequelize serves as a comprehensive Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool that provides extensive features for managing database relations, transactions, and various data sources. It's well-suited for larger projects that require more complex data handling, especially where a multi-database environment is needed.
When deciding between the two, consider team experience with TypeScript and SQL; if your team is comfortable with writing SQL and values type safety, kysely is favorable. Conversely, for projects that need rich data modeling and ORM functionalities, sequelize may be a better fit despite its larger bundle size and more substantial overhead in managing complex setups.
Detailed Comparison
| Criteria | kysely | sequelize |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle Size | ✓Lightweight at 37.3 kB when gzipped, promoting fast load times. | Relatively large at 314.9 kB gzipped, potentially affecting performance. |
| Open Issues | ✓Moderate maintenance with 156 open issues. | More significant maintenance challenges with 1.0K open issues. |
| GitHub Stars | Growing community with 13.4K stars, signaling developer trust. | ✓Greater recognition with 30.3K stars, reflecting a larger user base. |
| Last Updated | Recently updated on 2026-02-03, indicating active development. | Updated slightly later on 2026-02-05, also showing ongoing support. |
| Unpacked Size | Slightly larger at 3.3 MB, but still manageable. | ✓Smaller at 2.9 MB, offering a smaller footprint. |
| Learning Curve | ✓Easy to pick up for SQL-centric developers, focusing on straightforward queries. | Steeper learning curve due to extensive feature set and ORM concepts. |
| Weekly Downloads | Consistent popularity with 2.5M weekly downloads. | Close behind with 2.4M weekly downloads, indicating strong interest. |
| TypeScript Support | ✓Designed with type safety in mind, offering excellent TypeScript integration. | Supports TypeScript but is primarily an ORM tool, introducing complexity. |
| Overall Positioning | Type-safe SQL query builder, ideal for TypeScript developers. | ✓Feature-rich ORM for complex data handling across multiple databases. |
| Use Case Suitability | Best for applications with direct SQL needs and TypeScript emphasis. | ✓Ideal for applications requiring a comprehensive ORM with rich feature sets. |