Dibi

Dibi is a lightweight PHP database abstraction layer. It allows developers to work with different database systems, including relational, NoSQL, and key-value stores, in a unified way. The project was started in 2007 by Jan Sro Gould and was initially called Dibi-Dibi.

Dibi's primary purpose is to provide a database-agnostic interface for PHP applications. It allows developers to write SQL-free code, focusing on business logic rather than database specifics. The library uses a dynamic configuration to adapt to various databases, making it a versatile solution for different environments.

Dibi supports various relational databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and SQL Server. Additionally, it provides support for some NoSQL databases, including MongoDB and Redis. The library's function calls are database-independent, meaning that developers can write the same code, and Dibi will adapt to the chosen database setup.

Some of Dibi's key features include support for SQL-like queries, database-driven transactions, relationship management, and a caching system. The library also includes tools for debugging, logging, and profiling database operations.

In 2013, the Dibi project was transitioned to a more permissive license to increase its potential usage. The project remains actively maintained, with continuous releases and updates. As a community-driven project, Dibi gains support and contributions from a growing user base. Dibi's continued growth in popularity and expansion of database support make it a viable option for PHP applications requiring database abstraction.

Outside of its core purpose, Dibi is often used as a building block in more extensive PHP projects and frameworks, illustrating its utility beyond mere database abstraction.