Databases (Core)

ZODB

A native object database for Python, offering key-value and object graph storage.

Status
Generally available
Last checked
Checked · Oct 12, 2026
License
Open source
Pricing
Free tier · from $0
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What it is

ZODB is a high-performance, transactional object database designed specifically for Python. It allows developers to store complex data structures directly in the database without needing to serialize them into a different format.

ZODB stands out as a native object database specifically tailored to Python, offering seamless integration and transactional support for complex data structures.

When it fits — and when it doesn’t

A good fit for

  • Python projects requiring native object storage and ACID transactions

  • Applications needing to store complex, nested Python objects directly in the database without serialization

Look elsewhere if

  • Projects that require real-time data processing or streaming capabilities

  • Developers looking for a cloud-hosted solution with managed services

Known weaknesses

Each one links to the public issue, changelog or docs page it came from, where we have one.

  1. 01

    Limited ecosystem and integrations outside of Python

    ZODB primarily supports Python, with limited official support for other languages or frameworks

  2. 02

    Performance issues at scale due to object-level locking

    Object-level locking can lead to contention and performance bottlenecks in high-concurrency environments

  3. 03

    Complex setup and configuration for production use

    Requires careful tuning of storage managers, cache sizes, and transaction settings for optimal performance

What it does well

  • Native object storage for Python objects

  • Transactional support with ACID properties

  • Persistent data structures and complex queries

Pricing

Free tier
YesOpen source — free to use
Paid from
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise plan
No

Pricing not independently confirmed — check the vendor’s page.

Performance benchmarks

How Fast Is It?

Set up ZODB

Setup steps, common gotchas and what to check after 30 days.

Open the setup guide →
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