Glossary · Web & App Development
Prisma
Overview
What Prisma is
Prisma is an open-source ORM (object-relational mapper) for Node.js and TypeScript. It lets developers work with a database, such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, or SQL Server, using type-safe JavaScript or TypeScript code instead of writing raw SQL. You define your data models in a single schema file, and Prisma generates a fully typed client with autocomplete.
How it works
Prisma has three main parts: Prisma Schema, where you declare models and relationships; Prisma Migrate, which turns schema changes into versioned database migrations; and Prisma Client, the generated, type-safe query API. Because types come straight from your schema, mistakes like querying a field that does not exist are caught while coding, not in production.
How an agency uses Prisma
Prisma is a strong fit for Next.js and full-stack TypeScript projects and for app backends and APIs. A team uses it to model data, run safe migrations, and query databases with confidence, often alongside PostgreSQL and layered with tRPC for end-to-end type safety. This reduces database bugs and speeds up building new features.
Where we use it
Related Zen in Tech services
How our team puts Prisma to work in real projects.
FAQ
Prisma — common questions
What is an ORM?
An ORM (object-relational mapper) is a tool that lets you interact with a relational database using your programming language's objects and methods instead of writing raw SQL. Prisma is a modern ORM for Node.js and TypeScript.
Is Prisma free?
Yes. The Prisma ORM is free and open-source. Prisma also offers separate paid cloud products (such as managed Postgres and Accelerate), but the core ORM costs nothing.
Prisma vs raw SQL?
Prisma adds type safety, autocomplete, and automatic migrations, which speed development and reduce errors. Raw SQL offers maximum control and can be more efficient for very complex queries. Many teams use Prisma for most work and drop to SQL when needed.
Need Prisma done right?
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