griddb
GridDB is an open-source database designed for IoT and time-series workloads, offering both NoSQL and SQL interfaces. It supports distributed clustering and is written in C++ for performance, with client libraries in multiple languages.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | griddb/griddb |
| Owner | griddb |
| Primary language | C++ |
| License | AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 2.5k |
| Forks | 5k |
| Open issues | 51 |
| Latest release | v5.9.0 (2026-02-18) |
| Last updated | 2026-03-19 |
| Source | https://github.com/griddb/griddb |
What griddb is
GridDB provides a hybrid NoSQL/SQL database engine optimized for time-series and IoT data, featuring clustering support, TQL (Time Query Language) and SQL query interfaces, and clients for Java, Python, C, Go, Node.js, PHP, Perl, and Rust. The server is licensed under AGPL-3.0 while client libraries use Apache 2.0.
Get the griddb source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/griddb/griddb.gitcd griddb# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Server builds confirmed on Ubuntu 22.04 and RockyLinux 9.4 with gcc 11; requires Python3 and Tcl; verify OS compatibility for your target infrastructure.
- Cluster setup is manual; requires setting GS_HOME, GS_LOG environment variables, configuring gs_cluster.json, and executing sequential cluster join commands.
- Java client library (gridstore.jar) available; JDBC driver is in separate repository; verify client library compatibility with your application language/framework.
- Password-based authentication (gs_passwd) is required; no detail on encryption, TLS, or authentication mechanisms—requires security review before production use.
- Latest release v5.9.0 dated 2026-02-18 (future date, likely data entry error); verify actual current version before deployment.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Proprietary/Closed-Source Requirement — Server source code is AGPL-3.0; any derivative works or modifications must be open-sourced. Not suitable if you require closed-source database modifications.
- Primary Use Case Is OLTP or Complex Transactions — GridDB is optimized for time-series and IoT; no indication of ACID guarantees, complex multi-row transactions, or traditional OLTP performance characteristics in provided data.
- Minimal Operational Overhead — Requires manual cluster setup (gs_startnode, gs_joincluster), password management, and configuration file edits; not a managed/serverless offering.
- Widespread Enterprise Support Ecosystem — Community-driven project with no mention of commercial support, SLAs, or enterprise backing in provided data.
License & commercial use
GridDB server is GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0). Java client library and operational commands are Apache License 2.0. Third-party dependencies documented in 3rd_party/3rd_party.md.
AGPL-3.0 is a copyleft license: any modifications to the server or derivative works must be open-sourced and made available to users. Commercial deployment of unmodified binaries is permitted, but modifications trigger disclosure obligations. Internal-use modifications without distribution may face ambiguity. Requires legal review before commercial use of custom modifications. No commercial support vendor listed in provided data.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Strong |
| License clarity | Needs review |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
AGPL-3.0 server source is open for audit. README shows basic password authentication (gs_passwd) but no detail on encryption at rest, in-transit TLS, role-based access control, or network isolation. Multicast-based clustering mentioned; verify multicast security in your environment. No vulnerability disclosure process documented. Requires security assessment before production use, especially for sensitive IoT/time-series data.
Alternatives to consider
InfluxDB
Purpose-built time-series database with managed cloud option, simpler operational model, and clearer commercial support. Better for users seeking reduced ops overhead.
TimescaleDB (PostgreSQL extension)
Time-series optimized extension on PostgreSQL; full ACID transactions, mature ecosystem, and commercial support available. Better for OLTP+time-series hybrid workloads.
Apache Cassandra
Distributed NoSQL database with proven large-scale deployments. Better for horizontal scaling requirements and where AGPL licensing is a concern.
Build on griddb with DEV.co software developers
GridDB offers both NoSQL and SQL interfaces optimized for IoT and time-series data. Assess licensing obligations (AGPL-3.0), security posture, and operational overhead before deployment. Our team can help you evaluate fit and plan integration.
Talk to DEV.coRelated on DEV.co
Explore the category and the services that help you build with it.
griddb FAQ
Can I use GridDB in a commercial product?
What languages are supported?
Is GridDB suitable for OLTP workloads?
What deployment models are supported?
Software development & web development with DEV.co
DEV.co is a software development agency delivering custom software development services to companies building on open source. Our software developers and web developers design, integrate, and ship production systems — spanning web development, APIs, AI, data, and cloud. If griddb is part of your open-source databases roadmap, our team can implement, customize, migrate, and maintain it.
Evaluate GridDB for Your Time-Series Workload
GridDB offers both NoSQL and SQL interfaces optimized for IoT and time-series data. Assess licensing obligations (AGPL-3.0), security posture, and operational overhead before deployment. Our team can help you evaluate fit and plan integration.