Comparison

RisingWave vs Decodable

Compare RisingWave and Decodable for stream processing. RisingWave is an open-source streaming database with built-in storage and PostgreSQL compatibility, while Decodable is a managed Flink service. Learn which approach fits your needs.

Try RisingWave Free vs Flink

Built-In

Storage

Query streaming results directly without provisioning a separate serving database

PostgreSQL

Compatible

Use psql, JDBC, Grafana, Superset — no need to learn Flink SQL syntax

Open Source

Apache 2.0

Self-host on Kubernetes, use Docker, or choose RisingWave Cloud — no vendor lock-in

Simpler

Architecture

One system for processing and storage reduces operational complexity and failure points

Head-to-Head

How do RisingWave and Decodable differ architecturally?

RisingWave is a streaming database that combines stream processing with built-in storage, allowing you to query results directly via PostgreSQL-compatible SQL. Decodable is a managed Apache Flink service that processes streams but does not store results, requiring you to sink data to external databases for querying. This architectural difference shapes the entire developer experience.

Factor	RisingWave	Decodable
Architecture	Streaming database with storage	Managed Apache Flink service
Query Language	PostgreSQL-compatible SQL	Flink SQL
Storage	Built-in, queryable	External (requires sink to DB)
State Management	Automatic, transparent	Flink checkpoints (managed)
Queryable Results	Yes, via any PostgreSQL client	No, requires external database
Open Source	Apache 2.0 license	Proprietary managed service
Cost	Self-host (free) or cloud	Managed-only pricing

→RisingWave eliminates the need for a separate serving database; Decodable requires PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, or another downstream store
→RisingWave uses standard PostgreSQL wire protocol; Decodable uses Flink SQL with different syntax and semantics
→RisingWave can be self-hosted or run on RisingWave Cloud; Decodable is available only as a managed service
→RisingWave manages state internally; Decodable relies on Flink's checkpoint mechanism (managed by the platform)

RisingWave Advantages

Where does RisingWave outperform Decodable?

RisingWave provides a simpler end-to-end architecture by combining processing and storage in one system, eliminating the need for external databases to serve results. It offers PostgreSQL compatibility for a zero-learning-curve experience, full open-source availability for self-hosting, and lower total cost of ownership by removing infrastructure dependencies.

Built-In Storage

Query streaming results directly from RisingWave without provisioning and maintaining a separate serving database like PostgreSQL or Elasticsearch

PostgreSQL Compatibility

Use psql, JDBC, Grafana, Superset, and any PostgreSQL client. No need to learn Flink SQL syntax or Flink-specific tooling

Open Source Freedom

Run RisingWave anywhere under Apache 2.0. Self-host on Kubernetes, use Docker, or choose RisingWave Cloud. No vendor lock-in

Simpler Architecture

One system for processing and storage reduces operational complexity. Fewer moving parts means fewer failure points and easier debugging

When Decodable Wins

When might Decodable be a better fit than RisingWave?

Decodable is a strong choice when you need deep Apache Flink compatibility, prefer a fully managed operational experience with zero infrastructure management, or have existing Flink pipelines you want to migrate without rewriting. Its managed Flink foundation provides access to the broader Flink ecosystem and connector library.

→You have existing Flink SQL pipelines and want to migrate them to a managed service without rewriting
→Your team is experienced with Flink SQL and prefers its specific semantics over PostgreSQL SQL
→You want zero infrastructure management and prefer a fully managed SaaS with no self-hosting responsibility
→You need Flink-specific features like complex event processing (CEP) patterns or Flink's DataStream API for advanced use cases
→You already have a serving database in place and only need a processing layer, not a combined processing-and-storage system

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between RisingWave and Decodable?

Can I query RisingWave results directly without an external database?

Is RisingWave open source while Decodable is not?

Does Decodable use standard SQL?

Ready to try RisingWave?

Start building real-time streaming pipelines with SQL in minutes.

Try RisingWave Free