Prisma

Prisma is the next-generation ORM that makes database development enjoyable for Node.js and TypeScript developers. Unlike traditional ORMs that feel like learning a new language, Prisma's intuitive data model and query API feel natural to developers who understand SQL.

The killer feature for indie developers is type safety. With Prisma, your database queries are fully type-checked at compile time—you catch schema mismatches and relationship errors before they become production bugs. The auto-generated types based on your schema mean you can refactor confidently knowing TypeScript will catch any broken references. Combined with Prisma Studio, a visual database GUI that ships with the tool, you have an incredibly productive database development experience.

What makes Prisma special for solopreneurs is the completely free core ORM paired with optional paid services for team collaboration. The migrations system manages your schema changes safely, handling conflicts and rollbacks intelligently. Prisma's support for multiple databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MongoDB) means you're not locked into one choice—you can start with SQLite for development and scale to PostgreSQL in production. The documentation is exceptional, the community is thriving, and it integrates seamlessly with every modern Node.js framework (Next.js, Remix, Express, Fastify) making it the default choice for TypeScript full-stack developers building side projects and early-stage startups.