RDMAlike

RDMAlike is a software framework and specification aimed at providing a backend-agnostic approach to relational data modeling. It defines a declarative schema for entities, attributes, and relationships and translates these definitions into database-specific schemas and queries. The design seeks to reduce coupling between application logic and storage engines, enabling easier porting among relational databases and alternative storage backends.

Core concepts include a model compiler, a runtime data store, and pluggable adapters. The model compiler translates high level model definitions into backend code, migrations, and validation rules. The runtime store handles data access, caching, and identity management, while adapters enable interaction with various backends such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, or even non-relational stores that support structured data. Features typically include schema evolution, data validation, and support for serialization to common formats like JSON.

The architecture is modular and language-agnostic in intention, with implementations in multiple programming languages that expose a similar API surface. This interoperability aims to facilitate code reuse and cross-project data modeling patterns. Licensing for open-source implementations is usually permissive, encouraging contribution and experimentation.

RDMAlike has emerged from open-source experiments in data modeling patterns and discussions about standardizing multi-backend data access. It is used in academic settings, research projects, and some development teams exploring cross-backend data strategies. Documentation, tutorials, and community forums accompany the project, along with example schemas and migration guides to help new users evaluate its applicability.