db-migrate
db-migrate is a free, open-source database migration framework for Node.js applications, available for self-hosting.
What db-migrate is
db-migrate is a free, open-source database migration framework for Node.js applications, available for self-hosting. Its command-line interface supports applying and rolling back migrations, resetting migration state, creating migration files, and working with the database. The documentation lists MySQL, PostgreSQL, sqlite3, MongoDB, and CockroachDB as supported databases; database drivers are installed separately. Migration files can use callback-based or promise-based interfaces, and the --sql-file option creates separate SQL files for migration-up and migration-down statements. db-migrate records applied migrations in a migrations table. Environment settings can be loaded from database.json, with command-line options to select an environment and configuration file. Configuration values such as usernames and passwords can reference environment variables. The project documents global and local npm installation. Its package metadata specifies Node.js version 8.0.0 or later, while the project says Node.js 24 and newer are officially supported and older versions may work but are not tested. The project uses the MIT License, which provides the software without warranty, and its README points users to documentation and usage examples.
Good
- Supports five listed database systems.
- Provides commands for applying and rolling back migrations.
- Tracks applied migrations in a database table.
- Supports callback and promise migration styles.
- Configuration can reference environment variables.
Watch out
- Database drivers must be installed separately.
- Node.js versions before 24 may work but are not tested.
- MIT License disclaims warranties.
Who it suits
It is intended for developers managing database migrations in Node.js applications. It suits teams needing migration commands, rollback support, and environment-based database configuration.
Verdict
db-migrate provides migration workflows and configuration options for Node.js projects, with support for several listed databases. Check Node.js compatibility and install the needed database drivers separately.
Plans and prices
From db-migrate's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| db-migrate | Free | MIT-licensed software · Node.js 24 or newer officially supported · database drivers installed separately |
The facts
Each one read from db-migrate's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Additional database
- The documentation also lists CockroachDB as an officially supported database.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The README says db-migrate 0.11 and older are end of life, while v1 migrations continue to work unchanged.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Credentials
- The configuration documentation supports environment-variable references for values such as database usernames and passwords.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Databases
- The project lists MySQL, PostgreSQL, sqlite3, and MongoDB as officially supported databases.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The repository links to the project's full documentation and usage examples on Read the Docs.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Environments
- Environment settings can be loaded from database.json, with CLI options to choose an environment and config file.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Install
- The project documents global installation with npm install -g db-migrate and local installation with npm install db-migrate.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The project documents global installation with npm install -g db-migrate and local installation with npm install db-migrate.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is distributed under the MIT License.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Migration commands
- The command-line interface supports up, down, reset, create, and db commands.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Migration styles
- Migration files can use callback-based or promise-based interfaces.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Migration tracking
- The documentation says db-migrate creates a migrations table to track which migrations have been applied.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Node support
- The project says Node.js 24 and newer are officially supported and older versions may work but are not tested.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- db-migrate describes itself as a database migration framework for Node.js.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Runtime
- The package metadata specifies Node.js version >=8.0.0.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The repository page displays a Security and quality section with 0 findings.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security terms
- The MIT license states that the software is provided as is without warranty.checked 11 Oct 2026
- SQL files
- The --sql-file option generates separate SQL files for migration up and down statements.checked 4 Oct 2026
- SSH
- The README says SSH tunneling is provided by a plugin that can be installed next to db-migrate.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The repository invites users to seek project support through backer and sponsor contributions.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Supported databases
- The documentation lists MySQL, PostgreSQL, sqlite3, MongoDB, and CockroachDB as supported databases.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The project describes its software as a database migration framework for Node.js applications.checked 11 Oct 2026
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