Prisma

Schema Design Traps

• @default(cuid()) over @default(uuid()) for IDs—shorter, URL-safe, still unique
• @updatedAt doesn't update on nested writes—must touch parent record explicitly
• Implicit many-to-many creates join table you can't customize—use explicit for extra fields
• @unique on nullable field allows multiple NULLs—intended behavior but often surprising
• Enum changes require migration—can't add values without downtime unless using String

Query Patterns I Forget

• findUniqueOrThrow / findFirstOrThrow—cleaner than null check after findUnique
• createMany skips hooks and returns count only—use create in loop if you need records back
• upsert requires unique field in where—can't upsert on non-unique compound conditions
• connectOrCreate in nested writes—avoids separate existence check
• select and include are mutually exclusive—can't mix; use nested select inside include

N+1 Query Prevention