Databases and APIs are intimately linked. You might think of a database as the archive where data lives and APIs as the librarians that deliver the assets. Given their intertwined nature, it’s little wonder there’s a need for tools that convert databases into an API.

Tech should create less work for us, not more. Database-to-API tools remove the need to duplicate work, which is good not only for productivity but also morale. It also reduces the probability of errors, as all tools are drawing upon the same data source. Database-to-API tools combine the convenience of APIs with the structure and security of a database.

In this article, we’re going to delve into ten database-to-API tools for converting a database to an API.

10 Database-to-API Tools: Quick Comparison

PostgREST

PostgREST is a minimalist, open-source tool for converting a PostgreSQL database into a RESTful API. It automatically creates endpoints based on the user’s schema, as well as supporting fine-grained access control using PostgreSQL’s role-based permissions. Not only is PostgREST easy to use, it’s also efficient, as it’s programmed in Haskell to be optimized for speed, making it an excellent choice for developers working with PostgreSQL looking for low latency. The main drawback of PostgREST is its tight coupling with PostgreSQL. If you’re using a different database, you’ll want to look elsewhere. PostgREST is popular for fintech, analytics, and internal tools where performance and PostgreSQL compatibility are top priorities.

Hasura

Hasura overlays a GraphQL API over your PostgreSQL, SQL Server, or BigQuery databases. It’s excellent for managing realtime data subscriptions as well as authentication, offering support for both authentication providers as well as built-in permissions. It’s also a great choice for filtering data from your database, using GraphQL’s fine-grained filtering capabilities. Hasura might be daunting for users who aren’t that experienced using GraphQL, but it’s powerful enough to be worth a look. Hasura is a good choice for users in sectors like SaaS, logistics, and IoT, where realtime data and flexibility are essential.

DreamFactory

DreamFactory supports over 20 different types of databases, automatically generating REST APIs as well as OpenAPI documentation. It also offers role-based access control, rate limiting, and support for authentication and authorization options like LDAP and OAuth. DreamFactory is mainly meant for enterprises, so it may be heavy for small and medium-sized organizations. DreamFactory is a fine choice for healthcare, government, and education sectors that deal with complex data governance and multiple integrations.

Airtable

Airtable is a spreadsheet/database hybrid with a built-in API layer. Every spreadsheet-database comes with a working API right out of the box, making it a fine choice for businesses with limited technical expertise. It’s easy to use and flexible, but it’s also somewhat limited in terms of rate limits that might affect scalability. Airtable is a popular choice for marketing, content management, and projects dependent upon collaboration.

Directus

Directus wraps any SQL database in a realtime API as well as a sleek, slick, customizable admin app. Directus supports both REST and GraphQL, offering next-level data filtration. Its decoupled architecture makes it an ideal choice for teams looking for a backend-as-a-solution where the frontend hasn’t been decided on yet. Some users report that Directus is complicated to configure for advanced use cases, however. It’s popular with digital agencies, creative studios, and product teams working on multichannel apps or content platforms.

Microsoft Data API Builder

Data API Builder is a database-to-API solution designed by Microsoft for Azure-hosted SQL, PostgreSQL, and Cosmos DB. Microsoft Data API Builder automatically exposes REST and GraphQL endpoints with integrated security through Azure AD. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and can be implemented in DevOps frameworks, but its dependence on Microsoft Azure might make it unsuitable for developers working in other cloud-based environments. It’s an ideal choice for developers who are already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.

DB2Rest

DB2Rest is a more niche tool. It’s designed to transform IBM Db2 databases into secure REST APIs. This makes it ideal for users utilizing legacy databases, offering support for complex IBM DB2 workflows while integrating with modern CI/CD pipelines. Its specialized nature means DB2Rest’s audience is going to be limited. Still, its integration with legacy databases makes it a good choice for developers working with banking, telecom, and government organizations with large DB2 deployments.

PostGraphile

PostGraphile automatically generates a high-performance GraphQL API for PostgreSQL, allowing data to be returned using the user’s schemas and database specifications. It’s a popular choice for GraphQL enthusiasts for its PostgreSQL-native design and plugin system. PostGraphile’s advanced nature may make it daunting for less experienced PostgreSQL or GraphQL users, though. It’s a popular choice for data-driven startups, B2B SaaS, and analytics platforms with strict API performance requirements, however.

Supabase

Supabase is an open-source alternative to Firebase that wraps a PostgreSQL database with REST and GraphQL APIs, realtime capabilities, authentication, and storage. It’s an all-in-one, inclusive platform for developers looking for a platform that can manage everything from storage to realtime functions and websockets, making it a popular choice for development teams that don’t want to be bothered with excessive customization and configuration. This might make Supabase too inflexible for other users, though, so take that under advisement when picking a database-to-API solution. Supabase is popular with startups, prototyping, mobile apps, and education platforms.

CData API Server

CData API Server allows users to create APIs from over 80 hundreds of data sources, including databases, cloud apps, and flat files. It offers support for both REST and OData protocols, offering built-in authentication, caching, and analytics. It’s primarily a Windows-based solution, however, and can be expensive for small teams. CData API Server is a good choice for enterprises using multiple legacy systems, as well as those with a need for hybrid API gateways across data silos.

Database-to-API Tools: When To Use Each

Finding the right database-to-API tool allows developers to make the most of all worlds. It gives developers control and fine-grained access to data with the security and scalability of a database.

In review, here are our recommendations on when to use each of the above tools:

• For an easy way to wrap a PostgreSQL database into an API, PostgREST is a good choice.
• Users looking to wrap a database into a GraphQL API would do well to try Hasura and PostGraphile.
• If you need to convert a legacy database into an API, try either DreamFactory or CData.
• Airtable is a good choice for developers looking for no-code or low-code solutions.
• Supabase is a good choice for developers looking for an all-inclusive stack.
• Microsoft Data API Builder is a good choice for developers already invested in the Microsoft system.
• DB2Rest is a good choice for developers wanting to translate an IBM database into an API.