LevelDB
LevelDB is a free, BSD-3-Clause key-value storage library for applications that need ordered mappings from string keys to string values.
What LevelDB is
LevelDB is a free, BSD-3-Clause key-value storage library for applications that need ordered mappings from string keys to string values. Its API centers on Put, Get, and Delete, with atomic batches for grouped changes. Entries remain sorted by key, custom comparison functions are supported, and programs can traverse data forward or backward. A transient snapshot supplies a consistent view during reads. LevelDB compresses data with Snappy and also supports Zstd. The project targets Linux, macOS, and Windows; the README describes POSIX builds for Linux and macOS and a Windows build using CMake and Visual Studio. Documentation is available online and with the source. LevelDB does not provide SQL queries, a relational model, indexes, or built-in client-server support. Only one process can access a database at a time. The repository describes maintenance as very limited, focusing on critical fixes and internally required changes.
Good
- Ordered key-value mapping
- Atomic batch changes
- Consistent snapshots
- Snappy and Zstd compression
- Cross-platform builds
Watch out
- No SQL query interface
- No relational model or indexes
- Single-process database access
- Very limited maintenance
Who it suits
LevelDB suits developers needing an API-based, ordered key-value store on Linux, macOS, Windows, or self-hosted systems. It is intended for reliable and fast storage rather than relational querying.
Verdict
LevelDB offers a focused storage API with ordering, snapshots, batching, and compression. Its missing relational and client-server features, plus single-process access, define where it fits.
Plans and prices
From LevelDB's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| LevelDB | Free | Fast key-value storage library · BSD-3-Clause license |
The facts
Each one read from LevelDB's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Compression
- LevelDB compresses data using Snappy and also supports Zstd compression.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Data operations
- Its basic operations are Put, Get, and Delete, and it supports atomic batches of changes.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- Library documentation is available online and bundled with the source code.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The project describes its primary goal as being a reliable and fast key-value store.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as BSD-3-Clause.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limitations
- LevelDB has no SQL queries, relational data model, indexes, or built-in client-server support, and only one process can access a database at a time.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Maintenance
- The repository says it receives very limited maintenance and reviews critical bug fixes and changes needed by internally supported clients.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Ordering and reads
- Data is sorted by key, supports custom comparison functions, and can be traversed forward or backward.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- LevelDB is a fast key-value storage library that provides an ordered mapping from string keys to string values.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Snapshots
- Users can create a transient snapshot to get a consistent view of data.checked 4 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms and build
- The README describes POSIX builds for Linux and macOS and a Windows build using CMake and Visual Studio.checked 4 Oct 2026
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