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Secure AI virtual data roomsNano-SQL
Nano-SQL is a TypeScript database abstraction layer that works across browsers, servers, and mobile devices. It provides a unified API to multiple backends (SQLite, MongoDB, Redis, DynamoDB, etc.) and runs as a monorepo with core, adapters, plugins, and query interfaces.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | only-cliches/Nano-SQL |
| Owner | only-cliches |
| Primary language | TypeScript |
| License | MIT — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 788 |
| Forks | 48 |
| Open issues | 124 |
| Latest release | 1.0.0 (2017-12-11) |
| Last updated | 2026-02-17 |
| Source | https://github.com/only-cliches/Nano-SQL |
What Nano-SQL is
A cross-platform ORM/database layer supporting SQL, NoSQL, and graph queries via pluggable adapters (DynamoDB, SQLite, MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra) and plugins (search, indexing, encryption planned). Implemented in TypeScript with isomorphic support for IndexedDB, LocalStorage, and Node.js.
Get the Nano-SQL source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/only-cliches/Nano-SQL.gitcd Nano-SQL# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Verify adapter compatibility with your target platforms (mobile: React Native, Cordova, NativeScript; server: Node.js, Electron) before committing.
- Review adapter stability; DynamoDB, MySQL, MongoDB, Redis support exists but maturity varies—test with your schema and query patterns.
- Plan for schema versioning and migrations; documentation does not clearly describe migration tooling or strategies.
- Assess plugin roadmap: Encryption and Backups are WIP; if critical, evaluate building custom plugins or wrapping external libraries.
- Monitor 124 open issues; prioritize high-impact issues affecting your use case before adoption.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- You need production-grade support & SLA — Project is community-driven with no commercial backing. 124 open issues and last major release in 2017 suggest maintenance may be reactive rather than proactive.
- You require native TypeORM/Prisma maturity — Nano-SQL has lower adoption (~788 stars) and fewer battle-tested patterns. Newer ORM ecosystems have stronger tooling, migration systems, and vendor partnerships.
- You need strict relational integrity at scale — Abstraction layer over heterogeneous backends may not guarantee ACID compliance consistently across all adapters; distributed query optimization is unclear.
- Your team has no TypeScript expertise — Core is TypeScript-first; JavaScript consumers may face friction with type definitions and development workflow.
License & commercial use
MIT License (ClickSimply/Nano-SQL licensed to Scott Lott, 2019). Full permissive OSI license: allows commercial use, modification, distribution, and private use without restriction.
MIT License permits commercial use. However, no warranty is provided ("AS IS"). Evaluate organizational risk tolerance for a community-driven project with reactive maintenance and no commercial support; consider internal review before production deployment.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Moderate |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | High |
| DEV.co fit | Possible |
| Assessment confidence | Medium |
Encryption plugin is WIP (not yet released); do not rely on built-in encryption for sensitive data. Ensure TLS/connection security is configured at adapter layer (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB connection strings). Permissions and access control are not described; implement at application or backend level. Audit adapter implementations for SQL injection or injection vulnerabilities in your deployment.
Alternatives to consider
TypeORM
Mature ORM with strong TypeScript support, active maintenance, and Postgres/MySQL/SQLite backends. Better migration tooling and larger community; trade-off is less mobile-first design.
Prisma
Modern, type-safe ORM with excellent developer experience, auto-migrations, and cloud-ready architecture. Narrower backend support than Nano-SQL but significantly higher production adoption and vendor backing.
Realm (React Native) / WatermelonDB
Purpose-built for mobile offline-first apps (React Native, Cordova). Stronger mobile maturity than Nano-SQL adapters; narrower cross-platform scope but deeper mobile optimization.
Build on Nano-SQL with DEV.co software developers
Test Nano-SQL with your schema and adapter choices in a sandbox environment first. Consider the maintenance level and community support for your use case. Contact us to discuss architecture and risk mitigation for your project.
Talk to DEV.coRelated open-source tools
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Nano-SQL FAQ
Can I use Nano-SQL in production?
Does Nano-SQL handle database migrations?
What is the difference between 1.X and 2.0?
Which adapter should I use for my project?
Software developers & web developers for hire
Our engineers ship open-source databases software for a living. DEV.co provides software development services, web development services, and ongoing support for teams standardizing on tools like Nano-SQL.
Ready to Evaluate Nano-SQL?
Test Nano-SQL with your schema and adapter choices in a sandbox environment first. Consider the maintenance level and community support for your use case. Contact us to discuss architecture and risk mitigation for your project.