Ralph vs SQL LRS

Ralph is an open-source learning analytics toolbox delivered as an LRS HTTP API server, command-line interface, and library. It runs through an API, on Linux, or as a self-hosted deployment. Ralph follows xAPI specification 1.0.3, but xAPI 2.0 is not supported. Its LRS stores data in Elasticsearch, MongoDB, or ClickHouse. The library documents connections to OVH Log Data Platform, OpenStack Swift, Amazon S3, filesystems, other LRS systems, and WebSockets. The API server supports HTTP Basic authentication and OpenID Connect over OAuth 2.0, either separately or together. Statement access can be restricted by authority, and user scopes can limit endpoints or functions; both controls are off by default. Received xAPI statements can be forwarded to other LRS servers with configurable retries and timeouts. Sentry monitors the LRS server and CLI. The CLI converts selected OpenEdX events to xAPI statements. Ralph is distributed as a Python package and Docker image under the MIT License.

SQL LRS is a self-hosted Learning Record Store for xAPI statements, attachments, and documents. It supports SQLite, Postgres, MariaDB, and MySQL. Built-in conditional logic can evaluate incoming activity and create internal xAPI statements for validated outcomes. Its SQL data can connect to tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Looker, Apache Superset, and AI stacks that work with structured databases. Authentication options include OpenID and API credentials with keys, secrets, and scopes. The software is available through GitHub, DockerHub, and Platform One’s Iron Bank, but customers host it themselves. It is free under the Apache 2.0 license and may be used in commercial projects; implementation and support services are quoted separately. The maker says it conforms to IEEE 9274.1.1 and that Iron Bank containers have Certification to Field for Platform One IL2 and IL4 environments. SQL LRS is an LRS, not an LMS or content store: it does not produce learning data or host learning content. Described uses include collecting activity from LMS, AR/VR/XR, and simulation systems and exchanging learning data with business and AI systems.