kdb+
kdb+ · Newry, Northern Ireland
What it is
kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine from KX, headquartered in Newry, Northern Ireland. Built around the q vector language, it captures, analyzes, and supports action on real-time and historical data. KX describes in-memory ingestion and analysis with sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads. Its storage design uses an RDB for newest in-memory data, an IDB for recent disk data, and an HDB for long-term columnar archives. Query options include q and q-SQL, with listed language support for Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, R, and open-source libraries. Data can arrive through tickerplants, feed handlers, batch mode, TCP/IP, Apache Kafka, Python, Java, or C. KX cites trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring, serving Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing. Deployments include APIs, self-hosted systems, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with cloud documentation for AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. SSL/TLS connections can use OpenSSL certificates and keys.
For and against
For
- Sub-millisecond performance described for time-critical workloads
- RDB, IDB, and HDB storage layers
- q and q-SQL query support
- Multiple ingestion methods, including Kafka
- Cloud deployment documentation for three providers
Against
- Commercial pricing is available only on request
- Personal edition is non-commercial
- Personal edition limited to two computers
- Personal edition cannot run in the cloud
The verdict
kdb+ provides a layered time-series database and analytics engine with broad language, ingestion, and deployment support. Commercial users need a KX license agreement and key, while the free personal edition has strict local-use limits.
Who it suits
kdb+ suits organizations handling time-series workloads in areas such as trading, fraud detection, IoT monitoring, and other listed sectors. It also fits teams needing multiple ingestion methods, query languages, or cloud deployment options.
Plans and prices
kdb+ On Demand Personal Edition
Personal, non-commercial use · Up to 2 computers · Maximum 24 cores per computer · Local environment only, no cloud
Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
Commercial kdb+
Commercial use requires a KX license agreement and valid license key file
Read 8 Oct 2026 · code.kx.com
On the record
- Cloud deployments
- KX documentation lists deployments of kdb+ on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.code.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Commercial licensing
- KX states that commercial kdb+ is covered by a license agreement and requires a valid license key file; prospective commercial users are directed to contact sales.code.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The KX download page describes KDB-X Community Edition as backwards compatible with kdb+.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The kdb+ product page lists support for q, Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, R, and open-source libraries.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Performance
- KX says kdb+ ingests and analyzes real-time data in memory and delivers sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Personal edition limits
- The On Demand Personal Edition is non-commercial, limited to two computers and 24 cores per computer, cannot run in the cloud, and requires an always-on internet connection.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- kdb+ can use SSL/TLS to encrypt connections with OpenSSL, configured with certificates and keys.code.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- SQL support
- Yeskx.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Storage architecture
- The product page describes an RDB for newest in-memory data, an IDB for recent disk data, and an HDB for long-term columnar archives.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Training and support
- KX provides free interactive on-demand training through KX Academy and a community for connecting with experts.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- KX describes kdb+ use in trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring, and identifies Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing as served sectors.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine powered by the q vector language, built to capture, analyze, and act on real-time and historical data.kx.com · read 8 Oct 2026
