What is the main difference between Apache IoTDB and TimescaleDb?

Apache IoTDB and TimescaleDb are both time series databases but differ in their approach, features, and target audience. Compare their GitHub stats, technology stack, and community adoption to make the best choice.

Which is better: Apache IoTDB or TimescaleDb?

The choice between Apache IoTDB and TimescaleDb depends on your specific needs, technical requirements, and team preferences. Both are quality open source solutions with active communities.

Can I migrate from Apache IoTDB to TimescaleDb?

Migration between Apache IoTDB and TimescaleDb is possible but requires careful planning. Consider data export/import capabilities, feature parity, and potential workflow changes.

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Apache IoTDB vs TimescaleDb

Learn how Apache IoTDB and TimescaleDb differ in their key features, development activity, technology stack and community adoption, so you can decide which of these time series databases is best for you.

Apache IoTDB

Apache IoTDB manages industrial IoT time-series data with high-throughput read/write, edge-cloud sync, ultra-high compression, and integrations with Hadoop, Spark, Flink, and Grafana.

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6,390stars+17(+0.3%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
2 days ago
Repository age
8 years
Version
v2.0.10
License
Apache-2.0
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
apache/iotdb

TimescaleDb

PostgreSQL extension for time-series data with automatic partitioning, up to 95% columnar compression, continuous aggregates, and ~200 native SQL functions.

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23,465stars+219(+0.9%)

Last 30 days

Last commit
1 day ago
Repository age
10 years
Version
2.29.2
Self-hosted
Yes
Repository
timescale/timescaledb

Detailed Comparison

TimescaleDb appears to have several advantages over Apache IoTDB, particularly in popularity, growth and maturity. Consider your specific needs regarding popularity, growth, activity, technology, maturity, licensing and features when making your decision.

TimescaleDb wins

Community & Popularity

TimescaleDb significantly outpaces Apache IoTDB in community adoption with 23,465 stars compared to 6,390 stars on GitHub. This 3.7x difference suggests TimescaleDb has a much larger and more active community. In terms of developer contributions, Apache IoTDB has 1,155 forks, indicating strong developer engagement.

TimescaleDb wins

Growth Momentum

TimescaleDb is growing faster, adding 219 stars in the last 30 days (+0.9%) against adding 17 stars for Apache IoTDB (+0.3%). TimescaleDb is both larger and pulling further ahead.

Comparable

Development Activity

Both projects show recent activity, with Apache IoTDB last updated 2 days ago and TimescaleDb 1 day ago.

Comparable

Technology Stack

Both tools share common technology foundations, being built with Bash, Python, C, Objective-C. However, they differ in their additional technology choices: Apache IoTDB uses Java, C++, C# while TimescaleDb leverages Perl.

TimescaleDb wins

Project Maturity

TimescaleDb has been in development longer, starting 10 years ago, compared to Apache IoTDB which began 8 years ago. This 1.7-year head start suggests TimescaleDb may have more mature features and established processes.

Apache IoTDB wins

Licensing

Apache IoTDB is licensed under Apache-2.0, while TimescaleDb's license terms are not publicly specified.

Comparable

Use Cases & Features

Both tools serve similar use cases in Time Series Databases. However, they also have distinct specializations: TimescaleDb extends into Relational Databases (SQL).

Comparable