Dictionary term

ORM

Also called Object Relational Mapper

Web/DevIntermediate

A tool that maps database tables to objects in your code so you can query data in your programming language instead of writing SQL.

In plain English

A translator between your app's code and the database, so you can work with data in your own programming language instead of SQL.

Analogy

Like a helper that translates between database language and your app's language.

Why it matters

ORMs like Prisma make database access readable and less error-prone, speeding up backend builds.

In practice

Calling user.posts in code instead of writing a JOIN query.

Browse all terms →Last verified