Sails.js
A Node.js web framework for building MVC-style apps and APIs, with realtime features like chat.balderdashy/sails
- Stars
- 22.8k
- Forks
- 1.9k
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- JavaScript
- Last update
- 5 months ago
- Type
- Library
What it is
Sails.js is a web framework for Node.js that helps you build custom server-side apps and APIs. Its structure resembles the MVC pattern used in frameworks like Ruby on Rails, and the README says it is especially good for realtime features such as chat. It is built on Express and Socket.io and includes Waterline, an ORM that connects to several databases.
- Build a REST or realtime API backed by a database such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB
- Create a chat or other realtime feature using WebSockets alongside the API
- Write async data access code using await, for example: var orgs = await Organization.find();
- Reuse existing Express middleware inside a Sails app
Great for
- JavaScript developers who want a Rails-style MVC structure in Node.js
- Teams building realtime features such as chat, as the README highlights
- Developers migrating or extending an existing Express project, since the README says Sails actions are compatible with Connect middleware
- Projects that may need to switch databases, thanks to Waterline's adapter system
Not ideal for
- People new to JavaScript or Node.js, since it assumes familiarity with the ecosystem
- Developers who want a minimal framework with little built-in structure, as Sails provides a fairly complete MVC layout
- Projects needing a database with no available adapter, since support depends on Waterline adapters
How to get it
- 1
Install with a package manager
You'll need: Node.js
Install Sails globally
npm install sails -gCreate a new app
sails new my-appEnter the app folder
cd my-appStart the server
sails lift - 2
Run it
- Install Node.js.
- Run npm install sails -g to install Sails.
- Run sails new my-app to create a project.
- Run cd my-app and then sails lift to start the server.
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Use Waterline adapters such as sails-postgresql or sails-mongo to connect a database
- Use await with model methods to replace nested callbacks
- Reuse Connect or Express middleware in Sails actions
- Read the official documentation at sailsjs.com/documentation for configuration details
Downloads
Strengths
- Familiar MVC structure that the README says resembles Ruby on Rails
- Built-in realtime support via Socket.io, with WebSockets usable alongside the API
- Waterline ORM supports several databases through a documented adapter system
Trade-offs
- The README mentions upgrade guides between major releases, which implies version changes you will need to follow
- Community adapters vary in maintenance, and the README links many of them to old or search pages
- The README is truncated and does not detail the full feature set or requirements
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sails (this) | 22.8k | Library | intermediate | 5 months ago | JavaScript developers who want a Rails-style MVC structure in Node.js |
| express | 69.6k | Framework | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers building JavaScript or Node.js back-end servers |
| fastify | 37.3k | Library | beginner | 4 days ago | Node.js developers building JSON APIs or backend services |
| koa | 35.7k | Library | intermediate | 4 days ago | Node.js developers who want a minimal web framework they can shape themselves |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.