Drizzle ORM
A lightweight, SQL-first ORM for TypeScript. Unlike heavier ORMs, Drizzle stays deliberately close to SQL: you define schemas in TypeScript, and its query builder mirrors SQL so what you write is what runs — no hidden query magic. It’s tiny, has no runtime dependency on a generated client, and is built to be serverless/edge-friendly (fast cold starts, no heavy engine).
Links
Description
- TypeScript schema — tables/columns/relations defined in
.ts, fully typed. - SQL-like query builder —
select().from().where()reads like SQL; predictable generated queries. - drizzle-kit — schema migrations,
pushfor rapid iteration, and Drizzle Studio. - Edge/serverless-friendly — no codegen step, minimal bundle, fast cold starts.
- Relational queries — typed nested fetches when you want them.
- Multi-DB — PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite and their serverless drivers.
Download or use
npm i drizzle-orm && npm i drizzle-kit -D
# npx drizzle-kit generate / npx drizzle-kit push- Site: orm.drizzle.team
- Repo: github.com/drizzle-team/drizzle-orm
Reasoning for
Drizzle is the ORM on AGRE, over PostgreSQL via Supabase. It suited that project for two reasons. First, the data shape is feed-driven with idempotent upserts (composite feed_source + feed_external_id keys) — being SQL-first means the upsert-on-sync logic stays explicit and easy to reason about rather than buried under ORM abstraction. Second, AGRE deliberately chose a light custom admin over a heavier CMS (Payload was evaluated and deferred), and Drizzle matches that philosophy: minimal weight, fast on Vercel’s serverless runtime, and no generated-client step in the build. Where a project wants a richer migration/Studio experience and more batteries, Prisma is the heavier sibling I reach for instead.
Alternatives considered
- Prisma — more batteries-included (Studio, richer migrations) but heavier; used on Tech To The Rescue. Drizzle wins on weight and SQL transparency.
- Supabase client (PostgREST) — fine for simple CRUD via the auto API; Drizzle gives typed, composable queries and migrations on top of the same Postgres.
- Kysely — similar SQL-first type-safe builder; Drizzle adds schema/migrations tooling.
- Raw SQL — ultimate control; loses type-safety and migration ergonomics.
Resources
Template: tool