ormerged

ormerged is a term used in software engineering to describe the practice of combining or unifying multiple object-relational mappings (ORMs) or their data models into a single cohesive data access layer. The term blends ORM with merged and does not correspond to a formal standard; it appears in online discussions, architecture talks, and blogs from the 2020s.

In polyglot persistence environments, where an application touches several databases or services with distinct ORM implementations, ormerged aims to present a unified query surface. Practitioners may centralize domain models, introduce an adapter layer that maps multiple ORMs to a common interface, or apply data virtualization and API composition to deliver a single view of data.

Implementation typically involves a shared domain model or an orchestration layer that translates between each database’s ORM and the unified interface. Techniques include model stitching, cross-database querying patterns, and careful handling of identity, caching, and transaction boundaries to avoid inconsistencies.

Benefits cited include reduced duplication of business logic, a simpler external API, and easier cross-source reporting. Core challenges include potential performance overhead, complex mapping rules, increased coupling, and migration risk as underlying schemas evolve.

See also: object-relational mapping, data federation, data virtualization, polyglot persistence, API composition.