Node Tactics

Databases

Node.js ORM

Using ORMs

Node.js ORMs like Sequelize and TypeORM simplify database queries.

Introduction to Node.js ORMs

Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) is a technique that allows developers to interact with a database using an object-oriented paradigm. In Node.js, ORMs like Sequelize and TypeORM abstract the complexities of database queries, making it easier to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations. This post will guide you through the basics of using these ORMs to simplify database interactions.

Setting Up Sequelize

Sequelize is a popular ORM for Node.js, supporting multiple databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. To begin using Sequelize, you need to install it along with a database driver like pg for PostgreSQL.

Use the following command to install Sequelize and the PostgreSQL driver:

After installation, you can initialize Sequelize in your project:

Defining Models with Sequelize

In Sequelize, a model represents a table in your database. You can define a model by extending Sequelize's Model class. Here's an example:

Basic CRUD Operations with Sequelize

Once your models are defined, you can easily perform CRUD operations. Here are some basic examples:

  • Create: Add a new record to the database.
  • Read: Retrieve records from the database.
  • Update: Modify existing records.
  • Delete: Remove records from the database.

Introduction to TypeORM

TypeORM is another powerful ORM for Node.js, designed with TypeScript support in mind. It provides an Active Record and Data Mapper pattern, catering to different development preferences. To get started with TypeORM, you need to install it along with a database driver.

Here's an example of setting up a connection and defining an entity in TypeORM:

Conclusion

Node.js ORMs like Sequelize and TypeORM provide a streamlined way to interact with databases using JavaScript or TypeScript. By abstracting the complexities of SQL, these ORMs allow developers to focus on building scalable and maintainable applications.

In the next post, we will explore Mongoose, a MongoDB-centric ORM for Node.js.

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