# Gel: Postgres Unchained > Source: > Published: 2026-11-10 19:35:17+00:00 unchained Postgres is the endgame database. Gel supercharges it with a modern data model, graph queries, Auth & AI solutions, and much more. ## Fresh database experience Gel is a scalable, integrated data platform on top of Postgres. Gel gives the relational model a fresh facelift, solves n+1, simplifies migrations, and streamlines your entire database workflow. Gel is fully [open source](https://github.com/geldata/gel). - complete local dev environment - zero-config - seconds to deploy to cloud - cloud: encryption at rest, backups, monitoring - export data to vanilla Postgres, if needed - hierarchical selects, inserts, updates - link traversal: no JOINs - no NULL - easily composable queries - SQL & ORMs support - object types: links not JOINs - watertight access control - schema migrations engine - abstract types and mixins - advanced features: introspection, polymorphism - strictly typed schema - typed code via code gen for queries - TypeScript query builder - standard library optimized for safety - single type-safe data model for all languages - vector store - configurable automatic embeddings - automatic RAG end-point - gels with OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral - SDKs for Python and TS - multiple OAuth integrations - email/password, magic links - passkeys - built-in login UI - SDKs for Python and TS - Vercel marketplace partnership: easy billing - GitHub & Vercel previews - comprehensive CLI - built-in graphical UI - compatible with most BI solutions *AND*robust - query composability: better perf than SQL - no extra network roundtrips = low latency - auto-recovery from network errors in client APIs - built-in server and client connection pooling ## The Gel way What does building an app from zero to 1 with Gel look like? A complete database workflow for both local & cloud development. Run Gel CLI with uvx or npx, or install in seconds. ## More about the CLI - Instant setup: Install Gel CLI in seconds—or use via npx or uvx, with no extra downloads. - Flexible versioning: Run multiple Gel/Postgres versions side by side, no sudo required. - Local & cloud: Create and manage deployments anywhere, from your laptop to the cloud. - Built-in tooling: Apply schema migrations, dump & restore data, open a GUI, or jump into a REPL. - Zero config: Everything just works out of the box—no manual setup needed. Model your data with types, not tables. Start with simple types, go nuts with advanced concepts later. ## More about the data model - Higher-level modeling: Gel's type-based schema feels natural in modern languages—no ORMs required. - Feature-rich schema: Define object types, abstract types, multiple inheritance and mixins, triggers, annotations, introspection, computed fields, user-defined functions, access policies, and more. - Native performance: Your schema compiles down to efficient, faithful Postgres layouts for speed and reliability. - Built for developers: If traditional databases ever felt like an awkward fit, Gel's flexible design is the solution you've been waiting for. Iterate on your schema fast. Gel gives you a complete migration system and tools for branching and rapid prototyping. ``` 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8module default { type User { required username: str; } } 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8CREATE MIGRATION m1kdtk6ze2irotrxzscsr5hmt55zxv... { ALTER TYPE default::User { CREATE REQUIRED PROPERTY email -> std::str { SET REQUIRED USING ('example@example.com'); }; }; }; $ ``` ## More about migrations - Purpose-built: Gel was designed for migrations from day one, ensuring a robust, intuitive workflow for any project size. - Framework-agnostic: Learn once, use everywhere—perfect for multi-language or large, distributed teams. - Interactive migrations: The Gel server and CLI work together to provide a guided, user-friendly migration process. - Flexible changes: Squash minor tweaks, add custom steps, and easily browse through existing migration history. - Branch & prototype: Effortlessly experiment with new ideas, then fold them back into your main schema when ready. Fast and robust client libraries. Zero-config, automatic connection pooling, performance-optimized, and auto-recovery from network and transaction errors. ## More about client API's - Refined API: Gel client libraries offer a clean, consistent interface across multiple programming languages. - Zero Configuration: No manual setup needed—Gel handles connection pooling and connection options automatically. - Error resilience: Network and transaction issues are handled gracefully with transparent re-connects and retries. - Performance-oriented: Designed for high efficiency under load, minimizing latency and overhead. - Developer-friendly: Minimal boilerplate and clear documentation help teams integrate with ease. Composable, strictly typed, high-performance—pick three. Gel gives you EdgeQL, a type-safe query builder, and classic SQL/ORM options. ## More about queries - EdgeQL: Gel's own fast, readable, composable, graph-relational language—like if SQL and GraphQL had a child, but with superpowers. - TypeScript query builder: A super-flexible builder with unparalleled composability and type safety. - SQL/ORM support: Use standard SQL or plug into your favorite ORM. Gel partnered with Drizzle to create a top-tier JavaScript ORM experience. - Code generation: Generate type-safe code from .edgeql files in the language of your choice—streamlined for any tech stack. - Strict typing: Enjoy type-safe queries that reduce bugs and keep your code robust and maintainable. - GraphQL out of the box: Need even more flexibility? Gel includes native GraphQL support by default. Don't build an admin panel. Gel comes with a feature rich UI to work with your data & schema, prototype queries, and much more. ## More about Gel UI - Comprehensive: Gel's UI has been evolving alongside its core, ensuring a reliable and fully-featured tool. - Key features: Schema browser, data editor, query IDE, visual query builder, web-REPL, query performance visualization, and AI/Auth configuration. - Universal access: Run locally or in the cloud, on desktop browsers or mobile devices—no separate setup required. Automatic embeddings creation and RAG. With just a few lines in your schema Gel will talk to LLMs give you a ready to go RAG endpoint. Pick an LLM or configure a custom one. ## More about Gel AI - Seamless opt-in: Enable AI when you're ready—no hidden defaults or dependencies. - Schema-driven embeddings: Simply annotate your data, and Gel handles embedding creation, storage, and indexing behind the scenes. - Built-in RAG: Enjoy a native Retrieval Augmented Generation endpoint for instant AI-driven insights, complete with an admin UI for rapid testing. - Flexible providers: Connect Gel AI to your preferred LLM service, so you can choose the best fit for your use case. - Scalable & integrated: Combine your AI features with Gel's powerful type system and migrations to build robust, future-proof data solutions. Auth is a solved problem. OAuth, emails and passwords, magic links, sign in and sign up UI — Gel comes with it all. ## More about Gel Auth - Comprehensive Auth: Gel comes with a complete authentication layer, covering OAuth, email/password, magic links, passkeys, webhooks, and more. - Single database: Keep all user information in your main database, avoiding any need for external synchronization. - Built-In UI: Gel provides sign-in and sign-up forms out of the box, speeding up your auth implementation. Use it or build your own UI, the choice is yours. - Free & Open Source: Gel's Auth is a core part of the product, with no extra fees or licenses. Gel Cloud is integrated with Vercel and GitHub. Automatic preview deployments, zero-configuration. ## More about Gel+Vercel partnership - Streamlined workflows: Having a robust data model is crucial, but seamless development matters just as much—Gel delivers both. - Vercel partnership: Gel Cloud's collaboration with Vercel makes production and preview deployments simple and automated. - GitHub Pull Requests: Integrate Gel Cloud with GitHub to manage deployments directly from your team's PR workflow. - Zero setup: Configuration is minimal, so developers can focus on building rather than juggling deployment pipelines. Drop the maintenance burden. Gel runs a fully managed, HA database so you don't have to. ## More about Gel Cloud - Unified platform: Gel's managed service is deeply integrated into every part of the stack, minimizing setup overhead. - Secure: End-to-end encryption and mandatory TLS in internal traffic protect data at all times. - AWS-powered: Currently runs on AWS, with plans to expand to additional cloud providers. - Cost-effective: Provides high availability and management capabilities at a competitive rate, suitable for both startups and enterprises. ## Fast Gel client libraries, network protocol, and the query language are designed for performance.