
kdb+
kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine built around the q vector language.
What kdb+ is
kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine built around the q vector language. It is designed to capture, analyze, and support action on real-time and historical data. KX describes in-memory ingestion and analysis with sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads. Its storage design separates newest in-memory data in an RDB, recent disk data in an IDB, and long-term columnar archives in an HDB. Query options include q and q-SQL; listed language support also includes Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, and R. Ingestion methods include tickerplants, feed handlers, batch mode, TCP/IP, Apache Kafka, and programming languages. KX describes uses in trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring, and serves Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing. Deployments include Linux, macOS, Windows, APIs, and self-hosted environments; KX documentation also covers AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. SSL/TLS connections can use OpenSSL certificates and keys. A free personal edition is limited to non-commercial local use on two computers, with up to 24 cores per computer, and requires an always-on internet connection. Commercial pricing is on request and requires a license agreement and valid key.
Good
- Supports q and q-SQL queries.
- Offers multiple storage tiers for different data ages.
- Lists several programming languages and ingestion methods.
- KX documentation covers three cloud platforms.
- Free personal edition is available for non-commercial use.
Watch out
- Personal edition cannot be used commercially or in the cloud.
- Personal edition requires an always-on internet connection.
- Commercial pricing is available on request.
- Commercial use requires a license agreement and key.
Who it suits
kdb+ may suit teams working with time-series data in trading, fraud detection, or IoT monitoring. Its free personal edition is specifically limited to non-commercial local use, while commercial users need a KX license.
Verdict
kdb+ brings time-series storage and analytics together with a broad set of language and ingestion options. The free edition has strict personal-use limits, and commercial use requires licensing through KX.
Plans and prices
From kdb+'s own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| kdb+ On Demand Personal Edition | Free | Personal, non-commercial use · Up to 2 computers · Maximum 24 cores per computer · Local environment only, no cloud · Requires always-on internet connection |
| Commercial kdb+ | Priced on request | Commercial use requires a KX license agreement and valid license key file |
The facts
Each one read from kdb+'s own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Cloud deployments
- KX documentation lists deployments of kdb+ on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Commercial licensing
- KX states that commercial kdb+ is covered by a license agreement and requires a valid license key file; prospective commercial users are directed to contact sales.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The KX download page describes KDB-X Community Edition as backwards compatible with kdb+.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The kdb+ product page lists support for q, Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, R, and open-source libraries.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Performance
- KX says kdb+ ingests and analyzes real-time data in memory and delivers sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Personal edition limits
- The On Demand Personal Edition is non-commercial, limited to two computers and 24 cores per computer, cannot run in the cloud, and requires an always-on internet connection.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- kdb+ can use SSL/TLS to encrypt connections with OpenSSL, configured with certificates and keys.checked 8 Oct 2026
- SQL support
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Storage architecture
- The product page describes an RDB for newest in-memory data, an IDB for recent disk data, and an HDB for long-term columnar archives.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Training and support
- KX provides free interactive on-demand training through KX Academy and a community for connecting with experts.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- KX describes kdb+ use in trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring, and identifies Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing as served sectors.checked 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine powered by the q vector language, built to capture, analyze, and act on real-time and historical data.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Newry, Northern Irelandchecked 28 Sep 2026
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