Micro ORMs vs Raw SQL

Developers should use Micro ORMs when working on projects that require high performance, fine-grained control over SQL, or minimal dependencies, such as in microservices, APIs, or legacy system integrations meets developers should use raw sql when they need to write complex queries that orms cannot handle efficiently, such as advanced joins, subqueries, or database-specific functions like window functions in postgresql. Here's our take.

Micro ORMs

Nice Pick

Developers should use Micro ORMs when working on projects that require high performance, fine-grained control over SQL, or minimal dependencies, such as in microservices, APIs, or legacy system integrations

Pros

• They are ideal for scenarios where full ORM features like change tracking or complex relationships are unnecessary, and when developers prefer writing raw SQL or need to optimize database queries for speed and efficiency
• Related to: sql, database-design

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Raw SQL

Developers should use Raw SQL when they need to write complex queries that ORMs cannot handle efficiently, such as advanced joins, subqueries, or database-specific functions like window functions in PostgreSQL

Pros

• It is also essential for performance-critical applications where query optimization is crucial, and for tasks like database migrations or reporting that require precise control over SQL execution
• Related to: sql, relational-databases

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Micro ORMs is a tool while Raw SQL is a concept. We picked Micro ORMs based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Micro ORMs wins

Based on overall popularity. Micro ORMs is more widely used, but Raw SQL excels in its own space.