TypeORM is an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) tool for TypeScript and JavaScript (ES6, ES7), built for working with databases in a more intuitive way. It allows developers to define their database schema using models, which are then mapped to database tables. With TypeORM, developers can perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations using TypeScript or JavaScript methods, instead of writing raw SQL queries. TypeORM supports multiple databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQLite, and others. This flexibility, coupled with its strong typing capabilities, makes it a popular choice for building robust, scalable applications in the Node.js ecosystem.

In many organizations, TypeORM is a key component of the application stack, responsible for managing operational databases in OLTP environments. These databases are often integrated into broader data pipelines that feed into data warehouses like Snowflake or BigQuery using ETL tools such as Fivetran or AirByte. Once the data is in a warehouse, it is transformed using tools like dbt or Matillion and consumed by BI tools like Looker or Tableau.

Since TypeORM models define the database schema, any changes made to these models can have a ripple effect across the entire data pipeline. Upstream changes—such as modifying column names, data types, or deleting columns—can impact downstream processes, including data transformations and analytics dashboards. It’s critical for teams that rely on this data to be alerted when such changes are made, allowing them to take necessary precautions and prevent data quality issues.

Foundational’s Code Engine automates the extraction of schema and lineage information by analyzing TypeORM models directly from your codebase. This enables teams to detect schema changes early in the development cycle or within pending Pull Requests (PRs). With this early insight, teams can evaluate the downstream impacts of schema changes before they are deployed, minimizing disruptions in production systems.

While traditional tools extract schema information from the database after changes are deployed, Foundational takes a different approach by directly analyzing TypeORM model files. This method allows for earlier detection of changes, reducing the risk of downstream breakages in production.

For example, Foundational scans TypeORM entity files to extract schema details such as table names, column types, and relationships. By identifying these changes early in the development process, teams can better manage data lineage and avoid unexpected impacts on downstream consumers.

Setting up TypeORM schema and lineage extraction with Foundational is straightforward. Connect your repository that contains the TypeORM entity files, and the Code Engine will automatically detect and extract the schema details.

Once connected, the Code Engine processes the TypeORM entities, giving you full visibility into the schema and lineage within your data architecture, all without requiring direct access to your database.