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kdb+

kx.com

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Spec score 7.9 #19 of 36 in Time-Series Databases

What it is

kdb+ is a time-series database and analytics engine from KX, built around the q vector language. It captures and analyzes real-time and historical data for time-sensitive workloads. KX describes in-memory ingestion and analysis with sub-millisecond performance. Its storage layout separates newest in-memory records in an RDB, recent disk data in an IDB, and long-term columnar archives in an HDB. Query options include q and q-SQL, with 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, or supported programming languages. KX describes applications in trading, fraud detection, and IoT monitoring across Capital Markets, Defense, and High-Tech Manufacturing. Deployments cover Linux, macOS, Windows, APIs, and self-hosted environments, with cloud documentation for AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. SSL/TLS connections use OpenSSL certificates and keys.

Spec sheet

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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
Security
kdb+ can use SSL/TLS to encrypt connections with OpenSSL, configured with certificates and keys.Read 8 Oct 2026 · code.kx.com
Headquarters
Newry, Northern IrelandRead 28 Sep 2026 · kx.com
Cloud deployments
KX documentation lists deployments of kdb+ on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.Read 8 Oct 2026 · code.kx.com
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · code.kx.com
Compatibility
The KX download page describes KDB-X Community Edition as backwards compatible with kdb+.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
Languages
The kdb+ product page lists support for q, Python, Java, C#, C++, Rust, R, and open-source libraries.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
Performance
KX says kdb+ ingests and analyzes real-time data in memory and delivers sub-millisecond performance for time-critical workloads.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
SQL support
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · kx.com
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
Training and support
KX provides free interactive on-demand training through KX Academy and a community for connecting with experts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com

Plans and prices

kdb+ On Demand Personal Edition Free Personal, non-commercial use · Up to 2 computers · Maximum 24 cores per computer · Local environment only, no cloud · Requires always-on internet connection Read 8 Oct 2026 · kx.com
Commercial kdb+ Priced on request Commercial use requires a KX license agreement and valid license key file Read 8 Oct 2026 · code.kx.com

Every kdb+ plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Purpose-built for time-series data
  • Sub-millisecond performance is stated
  • Supports q and q-SQL
  • Multiple ingestion methods, including Kafka
  • Free personal edition available

Limits

  • Personal edition is non-commercial
  • Personal edition is limited to two computers
  • Personal edition cannot run in the cloud
  • Commercial pricing requires contacting sales

Who it suits

kdb+ suits teams analyzing high-volume time-series data in finance, fraud, industrial monitoring, or related sectors. It supports developers using q alongside several general-purpose languages.

Verdict

kdb+ combines time-series storage tiers, broad language support, and real-time processing for demanding analytical workloads. A free personal edition exists, while commercial deployment requires a KX agreement and license key.

Where Specifiction places it

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