HyperSQL (HSQLDB) vs Lealone
HyperSQL (HSQLDB): Long-running pure-Java SQL database with strong SQL:2023 coverage, used embedded and in LibreOffice. Lealone: Chinese Java OLTP database derived from H2, now repositioned as an AI agent platform built on its SQL engine.
key differences
- Licensing: HyperSQL (HSQLDB) is open source (permissive) (HSQLDB License (BSD-style)); Lealone is source-available (Server Side Public License v1 (H2-derived files under the H2 license)).
- Lealone is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than HyperSQL (HSQLDB) (≤ 100 GB).
- Horizontal scaling is none in HyperSQL (HSQLDB) and native in Lealone.
- Only HyperSQL (HSQLDB) has triggers, stored procedures, encryption at rest, time travel.
- Only Lealone has full-text search.
choose hsqldb for
- +Embedded storage in Java applications
- +Unit tests needing strict SQL semantics
- +LibreOffice Base documents
- +Teaching SQL standard features
best at · Embedded, OLTP
choose lealone for
- +Embedded or standalone OLTP in Java applications
- +Experimenting with SQL-defined services and LLM-generated apps
- +Learning a modern rework of the H2 codebase
best at · OLTP, Embedded
HyperSQL (HSQLDB) vs Lealone: FAQ
What is the difference between HyperSQL (HSQLDB) and Lealone?
HyperSQL (HSQLDB): Long-running pure-Java SQL database with strong SQL:2023 coverage, used embedded and in LibreOffice. Lealone: Chinese Java OLTP database derived from H2, now repositioned as an AI agent platform built on its SQL engine. Licensing: HyperSQL (HSQLDB) is open source (permissive) (HSQLDB License (BSD-style)); Lealone is source-available (Server Side Public License v1 (H2-derived files under the H2 license)). Lealone is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than HyperSQL (HSQLDB) (≤ 100 GB). Horizontal scaling is none in HyperSQL (HSQLDB) and native in Lealone.
When should I choose HyperSQL (HSQLDB) over Lealone?
Choose HyperSQL (HSQLDB) for embedded storage in Java applications, unit tests needing strict SQL semantics and LibreOffice Base documents. Choose Lealone for embedded or standalone OLTP in Java applications; experimenting with SQL-defined services and LLM-generated apps; and learning a modern rework of the H2 codebase.
Is HyperSQL (HSQLDB) or Lealone more popular?
HyperSQL (HSQLDB) ranks #312 on the WhichDB Score (9.4/100) and Lealone ranks #458 (2.8/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are HyperSQL (HSQLDB) and Lealone open source?
Yes. HyperSQL (HSQLDB) is open source. License: HSQLDB License (BSD-style). Not in the OSI sense. Lealone is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Server Side Public License v1 (H2-derived files under the H2 license).