Report

Evolution of Sequelize:
An Architectural View

ABDUL MOMIN | FA22-BSE-006

MUNEEB KHAN | FA22-BSE-032
MUHAMMAD HASHIR | FA22-BSE-031
MUTAYYAB ABDULREHMAN | FA22-BSE-046
Software Design and Architecture
SIR MUKHTIAR ZAMIN

Submission Due Date

DEC 25, 2024

 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction..........................................................................................................1

2. Evolutionary Timeline (From Release Notes) ...................................................2

1.Version 1.0 (Initial Release):
2.Version 2.0:
3.Version 3.0
4. Version 4.0
5.Version 5.0
6.Version 6.0 (Latest Release)................................. .........................................................3

3. Architectural Overview.......................................................................................4
4. Detailed Evolution Report..................................................................................5
5. Architectural Diagrams for Major Releases....................................................6
6. Individual Contributions....................................................................................8
7. Conclusion...........................................................................................................9

(MOMIN’s CONTRIBUTION):

2
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

1. Introduction
Sequelize is a powerful Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library designed for Node.js
applications, providing an abstraction layer that simplifies interactions with relational databases.
By allowing developers to define and manage database schemas using JavaScript, Sequelize
reduces complexity and improves productivity. Over the years, Sequelize has undergone
significant architectural changes, evolving to address the needs of modern applications and
developers. This report documents the chronological architectural evolution of Sequelize, from
its inception to its current state, highlighting key features, enhancements, and the rationale
behind these changes.

2. Evolutionary Timeline (From Release Notes)

Sequelize has had a dynamic growth trajectory since its initial release. The following
timeline captures major milestones and their significance in its development.
1.Version 1.0 (Initial Release):
Release Date: 2011
Key Features:
 Basic ORM capabilities, including support for defining models and performing CRUD
operations.
 Integration with MySQL.
 Focused on simplifying database interactions for Node.js developers.
2.Version 2.0:
Release Date: 2014
Key Features:
 Introduced support for model associations (e.g., hasOne, belongsTo, hasMany).
 Added transaction management capabilities.
 Basic model validation.
3.Version 3.0
Release Date: 2015
Key Features:
 Expanded database support, introducing compatibility with SQLite and PostgreSQL.
 Implemented hooks and lifecycle methods, allowing developers to execute custom logic
at specific stages of model operations.
 Added features for bulk operations and eager loading of associations.

3
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

4. Version 4.0
Release Date: 2017
Key Features:
 Introduced migration tools, enabling version-controlled schema updates.
 Improved performance in batch processing operations.
 Extended raw SQL query integration for advanced use cases.
5.Version 5.0
Release Date: 2019
Key Features:
 Added support for MariaDB.
 Enhanced TypeScript integration for type safety and developer efficiency.
 Improved handling of associations with more intuitive and modular syntax.
6. Version 6.0 (Latest Release)
Release Date: 2020
Key Features:
 Advanced TypeScript support, making Sequelize fully compatible with modern
JavaScript and TypeScript workflows.
 Enhanced query logging and debugging features.
 Deprecated older APIs and legacy syntaxes to streamline the library.
 Refined error-handling mechanisms for a better development experience.

3. Architectural Overview
Sequelize’s architecture is built around the concept of models, associations, and queries. It
provides:
 Model Definitions: Developers define database schemas using JavaScript or TypeScript
classes, mapping to underlying tables.
 Query Builders: Methods to perform CRUD operations without writing raw SQL
queries.
 Associations: Establishing relationships among models to reflect database structure.
 Transaction Management: Ensuring data consistency and handling complex database
operations.

4
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

 Hooks and Lifecycle Methods: Allowing custom logic during model operations.
Early Architecture (Version 1.0)
In its initial architecture, Sequelize was designed as a simple ORM layer focusing on
MySQL integration, enabling developers to define and query databases using JavaScript models.
Modern Architecture (Version 6.0)
With the latest releases, Sequelize has transitioned into a highly modular and extensible
ORM with robust TypeScript integration. Its modular components include a core query
processor, association manager, schema migration tool, and an error handler, all designed to
work seamlessly across multiple database platforms.

(MUNEEB AND MUTAYYAB CONTRIBUTION):

4. Detailed Evolution Report
 Version 1.x (2011 - 2013)
Sequelize's first release emphasized simplifying database queries for Node.js applications,
offering model definitions and straightforward CRUD operations. However, its limited support
for relationships and databases restricted its adoption to simpler projects.
Key Features:
1. Basic model-to-table mapping.
2. Basic CRUD methods (e.g., find, create, update, delete).
3. Integration only with MySQL.
Limitations:
1. No support for relationships.
2. Lack of validation and hooks.
3. Minimal database support.
 Version 2.x (2014 - 2015)
Sequelize v2 introduced pivotal features such as associations and transactions. The
inclusion of validation methods allowed developers to enforce constraints at the model level,
reducing dependency on database constraints.
Key Enhancements:
1. Support for defining relationships (e.g., belongsTo, hasOne).
2. Transaction management for complex operations.
3. Hooks for adding logic during CRUD operations.

5
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

Challenges:
1. Growing codebase complexity due to added features.
2. Performance issues in bulk operations.
 Version 3.x (2015 - 2016)
The primary focus of v3 was expanding database compatibility and enhancing usability
through lifecycle events and eager loading. The addition of SQLite and PostgreSQL opened
Sequelize to a broader audience.
Key Enhancements:
1. Lifecycle methods (e.g., beforeCreate, afterUpdate).
2. Bulk insert and update operations.
3. Advanced eager loading for related data.
Issues Addressed:
1. User feedback on limited database options.
2. Simplifying complex queries with associations.
 Version 4.x (2017 - 2018)
Sequelize v4 introduced migrations, a powerful feature for managing schema changes
programmatically. This version also refined performance and raw SQL integration.
Key Improvements:
1. Migration tools for schema updates.
2. Performance enhancements for bulk operations.
3. Improved raw SQL query support.
Impact:
1. Streamlined deployment processes.
2. Greater adoption among enterprise developers.
 Version 5.x (2019)
This version focused on stability, extending support for MariaDB and making Sequelize
more robust with improved TypeScript compatibility.
Key Features:
1. Full MariaDB support.
2. TypeScript definitions for models, methods, and migrations.

6
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

3. Modular association management.

 Version 6.x (2020 - Present)
Sequelize v6 represents the maturity of the framework. With extensive TypeScript support
and developer-friendly tools, it meets modern standards for web development.
Key Highlights:
1. Comprehensive TypeScript integration.
2. Refined query logging for easier debugging.
3. Deprecation of outdated APIs.

(HASHIR CONTRIBUTION);
5. Architectural Diagrams for Major Releases
Initial Release (Version 1.0)
Diagram:
Displays a simple interaction between JavaScript models and MySQL database. Models
directly map to tables, with limited ORM logic.

Version 2.0
Diagram:
Includes association and relationships in this release including rest Api’s

7
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

Version 3.0
Diagram:
Supports other databases like PostgreSQL etc.

Version 4.0 (Migration Tools)

Diagram: Highlights a layered structure including schema migration modules, association
layers, and query processors.

Version 6.0 (Latest Architecture)

Diagram: Illustrates a modular architecture with core modules (e.g., models, associations,
transactions) and TypeScript integration layers.

8
 COMSATS UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

6. Individual Contributions
Team Member Contribution

Abdul Momin Researched Sequelize history and timeline and study release notes.

Muhammad Hashir Designed architectural diagrams.

Muneeb Khan Drafted detailed feature descriptions for each version.

Mutayyab Highlights build features formatted, and finalized the report.

7. Conclusion
Sequelize’s evolution underscores its importance in modern web development,
showcasing the adaptability of its architecture to meet the needs of developers over the years.
With its focus on simplicity, performance, and extensibility, Sequelize has established itself as a
critical tool for Node.js applications, continually refining its features to stay relevant in an ever-
evolving technology landscape.