Side by side
pgtestdb vs tSQLt
Both stand on database testing tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hosted
Choose pgtestdb if your Go tests need isolated PostgreSQL databases, especially when you want parallel execution and integration with common migration tools. It requires a running Postgres server with database and role creation permissions, so teams without that infrastructure should look elsewhere.
Visit pgtestdb
Free plan Self-hosted
tSQLt provides transaction-based testing and isolation features for SQL Server development. Its installation requires server-level permission, and the project says to keep it out of production.
Visit tSQLtThe facts
| pgtestdb | tSQLt | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | tsqlt.org |
| On database testing tools | #19 of 28 | #23 of 28 |
pgtestdb: what it does well
- Creates a separate migrated database for each test.
- Clones a template database, with creation described as taking about 10 milliseconds.
- Supports parallel tests with separate databases.
- Includes adapters for eight migration tools and supports custom migrators.
- Keeps failed-test databases and logs a connection string for inspection.
What to know first
- Requires users to provide a running Postgres server.
- The server user needs permission to create databases and roles.
- The default test role cannot create extensions by default.
- Highly parallel suites can exceed the server’s connection limit.
tSQLt: what it does well
- Writes unit tests in T-SQL.
- Runs tests within transactions.
- Can fake tables and views.
- Generates plain-text or XML output.
- Works with listed SQL Server editions from 2005 SP2 onward.
What to know first
- Requires SA permission to run PrepareServer.sql.
- Should never be installed in production.
- Self-hosted installation is required.
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