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Stratum + Knex
SQL query builder for Node.js
Knex is a SQL query builder, not a full ORM, giving you direct control over your queries while handling connection pooling, migrations, and schema building. Stratum pairs naturally with Knex because both operate close to PostgreSQL. Knex builds your queries. Stratum manages tenant hierarchy, config, isolation, and compliance.
Feature comparison
| Capability | Knex | Stratum |
|---|---|---|
| Schema management | Knex migrations (imperative) | Stratum manages tenant tables only |
| RLS isolation | Manual via knex.raw() | Automatic policy generation |
| Schema-per-tenant | knex.withSchema() per query | Automatic search_path switching |
| Raw SQL access | knex.raw(): first-class | Uses pg Pool directly |
| Config inheritance | Not available | Built-in, root-to-leaf resolution |
| Transaction support | knex.transaction() | Tenant-scoped transactions |
| GDPR export/purge | Build it yourself | Built-in per-tenant operations |
| Connection pooling | Tarn.js (built-in) | pg Pool |
Getting started
knex-with-stratum.ts
import Knex from "knex"; import { Pool } from "pg"; import { Stratum } from "@stratum-hq/lib"; // Knex for query building const knex = Knex({ client: "pg", connection: process.env.DATABASE_URL, }); // Stratum for tenancy const pool = new Pool(); const stratum = new Stratum({ pool }); await stratum.initialize(); // Use Knex for app queries const rows = await knex("users") .withSchema("tenant_acme") .select("*");
Things to know
- Knex and Stratum use separate connection pools. Budget your PostgreSQL max_connections accordingly.
- Knex's withSchema() works well with Stratum's schema-per-tenant mode.
- Run Knex migrations and Stratum initialization in sequence during deployment.
Start building with Knex + Stratum
npm install @stratum-hq/lib pg