
ZenStack
Build scalable web apps with minimal code
FreeFrameworkOpen SourceLanguage13,328 impressions#68 of its week
ZenStack is an open-source DSL on top of Prisma that adds schema-first modeling, type-safe ORM and built-in access control with auto-generated APIs.
- for
- Full-stack developers building TypeScript apps who need secure, scalable data layers.
- pricing
- open source
- license
- MIT
- v3.9.6ZenStack Release v3.9.66 days ago
- v3.9.5ZenStack Release v3.9.57 days ago
- v3.9.4ZenStack Release v3.9.419 days ago
Key features
- Schema-first modeling — Define a concise, expressive data model using a DSL compatible with Prisma schema.
- Type-safe ORM with access control — Provides a type-safe ORM that enforces row-level and column-level security rules.
- Automated secure CRUD service — Generates a full CRUD API automatically, respecting defined access policies.
- Framework-agnostic integration — Works with any front-end framework or deployment platform you choose.
- Modern data browser & editor — Includes a UI for browsing and editing data directly from the schema.
Use cases
- Rapidly build scalable web applications with minimal boilerplate.
- Generate secure CRUD endpoints without writing manual controllers.
- Enforce fine-grained row and column security across all databases.
- Integrate a typed data layer into existing TypeScript stacks.
- Provide a guardrail for AI agents generating code that accesses data.
ZenStack vs alternatives
ZenStack | Keel | Daytona | toddle | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Secure, schema-first data modeling with auto-generated CRUD | Backend-as-a-service platform | API composition layer | Dev environment provisioning | Rapid web-app scaffolding |
| Pricing | Open source | Subscription | Free | Free | Free |
| DevHunt upvotes | 9 | 46 | 38 | 339 | 147 |
| Launched | Jan 2023 | Mar 2024 | Jan 2023 | May 2024 | Jan 2023 |
- ZenStack vs Keel: Keel provides a backend platform with built-in services, while ZenStack focuses on schema-first modeling and auto-generated CRUD with fine-grained access control.
- ZenStack vs WunderGraph: WunderGraph specializes in API composition and federation; ZenStack adds data modeling and security directly at the ORM layer.
- ZenStack vs Daytona: Daytona sets up development environments, whereas ZenStack provides a data layer and access control for applications.
- ZenStack vs toddle: toddle accelerates web-app shipping with scaffolding; ZenStack concentrates on secure data modeling and API generation.
ZenStack FAQ
What is ZenStack?+
ZenStack is an open-source domain-specific language built on Prisma that adds schema-first modeling, type-safe ORM and built-in access control.
How does ZenStack enforce security?+
It provides row-level and column-level security rules that are applied automatically to all generated queries.
Does ZenStack generate APIs?+
Yes, it auto-generates a complete CRUD service based on your schema and access policies.
Can I use ZenStack with any front-end framework?+
ZenStack is framework-agnostic; you can integrate its generated APIs and frontend SDK with any stack you prefer.
Is ZenStack free to use?+
Yes, ZenStack is released under an open-source license.
Summarized by DevHunt from zenstack.dev · Sep 28, 2026. Details may change; check the official site.
ZenStack
Keel
Daytona
toddle