How to cache database schema in Specql to avoid compile-time introspection?

Specql allows schema caching in an EDN file on the classpath, as noted in the 20230315 update, which speeds up compilation by storing introspected schema data locally.

Specql vs HugSQL: which is better for Clojure PostgreSQL queries?

Specql focuses on automatic spec generation and type-safe CRUD operations, reducing boilerplate, while HugSQL allows writing raw SQL with parameter binding. Choose Specql for validation-heavy projects, HugSQL for full SQL control.

Does Specql support JOIN operations in queries?

Specql has limited support for joins through navigation like has-one and has-many, but for complex joins, it defers to SQL or recommends using database views, as stated in the philosophy.

Can Specql handle PostgreSQL enums as Clojure keywords?

Yes, Specql supports custom column transformations, such as converting database enums to keywords, using options like transform-column-name mentioned in the changes log.

What happens if my database schema changes after using Specql?

Schema changes require recompilation with Specql to update the generated specs, which can be cumbersome in dynamic environments; caching might help, but frequent changes are not ideal.

Is Specql suitable for high-performance applications?

Specql adds overhead for spec validation and automatic generation, but for common CRUD operations, it's efficient; however, complex queries might be slower due to abstraction, so benchmark for critical paths.

Open-Awesome

Specql

MITClojure

A Clojure library that introspects PostgreSQL databases at compile time to generate clojure.spec definitions and automate CRUD queries.

Visit Website GitHub

135 stars10 forks0 contributors

What is Specql?

Specql is a Clojure library that automates PostgreSQL CRUD queries by introspecting database schemas at compile time. It generates clojure.spec definitions for tables and columns, enabling type-safe queries with minimal boilerplate. The library simplifies common database operations while integrating seamlessly with Clojure's spec system for data validation.

Target Audience

Clojure developers building applications with PostgreSQL who want type-safe database interactions and reduced query boilerplate. It's particularly useful for teams leveraging clojure.spec for data validation and seeking compile-time database schema integration.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Specql for its automatic spec generation and type-safe querying, which eliminates manual schema definition and reduces runtime errors. Its focus on common CRUD operations while deferring complex queries to SQL provides a pragmatic balance between automation and flexibility.

Overview

Automatic PostgreSQL CRUD queries

Use Cases

Best For

Reducing boilerplate code for PostgreSQL CRUD operations in Clojure
Ensuring type safety in database queries using clojure.spec
Automating schema introspection and spec generation at compile time
Working with PostgreSQL composite types and user-defined records
Integrating database views and materialized views into Clojure applications
Simplifying data validation and integrity in Clojure-PostgreSQL projects

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring complex SQL queries with multiple joins and advanced reporting
Teams using databases other than PostgreSQL or needing cross-database compatibility
Applications with highly dynamic schemas that change frequently without recompilation
Environments where compile-time database access is impractical or restricted

Pros & Cons

Pros

Automatic Spec Generation

Introspects PostgreSQL schemas at compile time to create clojure.spec definitions for tables and columns, eliminating manual boilerplate as shown in the usage example.

Type-Safe Queries

Uses namespaced keywords for columns, ensuring query correctness and leveraging Clojure's spec system for validation, reducing runtime errors.

Composite Type Support

Unpacks PostgreSQL user-defined types and arrays into nested Clojure maps, handling complex data structures seamlessly, as highlighted in the key features.

View Integration

Works with database views and materialized views just like tables, allowing complex queries to be abstracted and used via specql, as mentioned in the philosophy section.

Cons

PostgreSQL-Only

Limited to PostgreSQL databases with no support for other SQL systems, reducing flexibility for multi-database projects.

Compile-Time Schema Dependency

Requires a live database connection at compile time for introspection, which can complicate build processes and CI/CD pipelines, though caching is available.

Alpha Stability Concerns

Marked as 'work in progress' with frequent alpha releases and breaking changes in the version history, indicating potential instability for production use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

honeysql

Turn Clojure data structures into SQL

Tasty SQL for Clojure.

Stars1,470

Forks217

Last commit5 years ago

Toucan

A classy high-level Clojure library for defining application models and retrieving them from a DB

Stars573

Forks48

Last commit2 years ago

Walkable

A Clojure(script) SQL library for building APIs: Datomic® (GraphQL-ish) pull syntax, data driven configuration, dynamic filtering with relations in mind

Stars452

Forks15

Last commit4 years ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub