Gel (formerly EdgeDB)

Open-source graph-relational database with typed schemas, EdgeQL and self-hosting

postgresgraph-relationaledgeqlopen-source
Websitegeldata.com
CategoryData & backend
PricingFree
Card requiredNo
Open sourceYes
← ← Back to directoryGo to Gel (formerly EdgeDB) ↗ ↗

ABOUT

What is Gel (formerly EdgeDB)?

Gel, formerly EdgeDB, is an open-source graph-relational database built on Postgres with typed schemas, EdgeQL, migrations and generated client code. Gel Cloud was discontinued, while the database and its tooling remain available locally or self-hosted.

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP

What you should know

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Typed graph-relational modelGel models object types and links rather than forcing every relationship into manual joins, while still compiling to Postgres.
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Open-source database and toolingThe current Gel repository is Apache 2.0 licensed and includes the database server, EdgeQL implementation, CLI and supporting tooling.
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EdgeDB is now branded GelThe product formerly known as EdgeDB now uses the Gel name, while EdgeQL and several legacy CLI paths remain part of the ecosystem.
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Managed Gel Cloud was discontinuedGel Cloud stopped creating new instances in December 2025 and announced shutdown for January 2026. Gel remains self-hostable.

COMMUNITY

From the forums

The open-source community values Gel's typed schema, composable EdgeQL and strong developer tooling, especially for applications that do not fit comfortably into a traditional ORM. Current issue discussions also show that the EdgeDB-to-Gel rebrand and the depth of the system can create configuration, migration and learning-curve friction.

— Community sentiment

⭐GitHub💬Discuss on Reddit ↗

SEE ALSO · Data & backend

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ABOUT US

Honest, independent, no fluff.

No paid placements. Just a clear look at what this does, what it costs, and what to know before you commit.

Read more→

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is Gel the same product as EdgeDB?＋

Yes. Gel is the current name of the product formerly known as EdgeDB, and EdgeQL remains its query language.

Is Gel Cloud still available?＋

No. Gel Cloud announced its shutdown for January 2026. The database remains open source for self-hosting.

Is Gel built on Postgres?＋

Yes. Gel is a graph-relational database built on Postgres, with its own typed schema model and EdgeQL query language.