Small footprint.
Serious database.
All the database you need.
Right where your application lives.
A modern SQL database written in Go. Embed it in your app or run it as a server. Your data, your architecture.
$ go get github.com/cobaltdb/cobaltdbCOMPLETE BY NATURE.SQL + JSONACID transactionsPure GoBuilt-in encryptionMySQL protocol
Less infrastructure.
More possibility.
Your database should move your application forward.
A capable engine, without the operational weight.
Powerful at the core.
Simple at the edges.
SQL parsing, indexed storage and durable writes.
One cohesive engine you can run your way.
SELECT * FROM ideas;Go all the way.
A pure Go runtime. No CGO toolchain, no C bindings. Cross-compile with the tools you already use.
100% GoKeep the promises.
ACID transactions and write-ahead logging give your application a foundation for consistent, durable data.
ACID + WALMake privacy a primitive.
Built-in AES-256-GCM encryption, row-level security policies and audit logging for sensitive workflows.
Security built inYour next idea.
Already connected.
Go from import to your first query.
Pick the way you want to build.
db, err := engine.Open("app.db", nil)
if err != nil { log.Fatal(err) }
defer db.Close()
ctx := context.Background()
rows, err := db.Query(ctx,
"SELECT name FROM projects WHERE stars > ?", 100)
if err != nil { log.Fatal(err) }
defer rows.Close()Real SQL.
Room for more.
Tables, joins, indexes and the SQL you already know. Keep your data structured and your queries expressive.
Explore the SQL referenceSELECT name, language, stars
FROM projects
WHERE language = 'Go'
ORDER BY stars DESC
LIMIT 3;| name | language | stars |
|---|---|---|
| cobaltdb | Go | 1,280 |
| atlas | Go | 864 |
| lumen | Go | 512 |
Built close to the metal.
And closer to your app.
No network hop in embedded mode.
A purpose-built storage engine underneath.
Core storage GET latency
Single row, including SQL parsing
Point lookup over a 10K-row dataset
Repository-reported in-memory benchmarks · AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D · Go 1.26 · Windows 11. Storage-level and SQL-level results measure different operations. Results vary by workload and hardware; disk persistence adds overhead.
One engine.
Two ways to make it yours.
Start with the deployment that fits.
Keep the same SQL foundation.
Inside your process.
Out of your way.
Import the Go engine and open a database. An ideal starting point for local tools, desktop apps, edge services and self-contained applications.
A familiar connection.
A fresh foundation.
Run CobaltDB as a service and connect over its MySQL protocol. Start with the tested Go driver, then validate the clients your application needs.
01What is CobaltDB?+
CobaltDB is an open-source SQL database written in Go. You can embed the engine directly in a Go application or run a standalone server with a MySQL-compatible protocol surface.
02Do I need a C compiler?+
No. The database runtime does not require CGO or a C compiler. You can build and cross-compile with the Go toolchain. The Go race detector is a separate development check and may require a CGO toolchain.
03Is it a drop-in replacement for MySQL?+
CobaltDB implements a tested subset of the MySQL wire protocol. Handshakes, queries and parameterized prepared statements are covered. Validate your specific driver and ORM against the compatibility matrix before deployment.
04Is CobaltDB ready for my production workload?+
The project describes CobaltDB as a production-oriented, single-node database candidate. Test your workload, recovery process and client compatibility. Replication is not automatic high availability or failover. The production guide explains the operational boundaries. Read the production guide →
05Can I use it commercially?+
Yes. CobaltDB is available under the MIT license. You can use, modify and distribute it, including in commercial projects, under the terms of that license.
Your next great thing
starts with a simple import.
Pure Go. MIT licensed. Built for your ideas.