# TimescaleDB

> open-source time series database

**Wikidata**: [Q111012643](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111012643)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TimescaleDB)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/timescaledb

## Summary
TimescaleDB is an open-source time series database system built on PostgreSQL, designed to handle high-volume time-stamped data with the reliability of a relational database. It is released under the Apache Software License 2.0 and is maintained by the organization Timescale, with its source code hosted on GitHub. The project began in 2018 and has evolved through dozens of stable versions, with the most recent stable release being version 2.24.0 as of December 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Time series database system and open-source software.
- **License**: Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Inception Year**: 2018.
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb.
- **GitHub Username**: timescale.
- **Official Website**: https://www.timescale.com/.
- **Programming Language**: C (inferred from GitHub ranking data context and standard PostgreSQL extension architecture, though specific language not explicitly named in text, the repository link and ranking data are cited).
- **Twitter Handle**: @TimescaleDB (ID: 3377917289), active from July 15, 2015, to February 28, 2022.
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted.
- **Operating System Package**: Available as `postgresql10-timescaledb` in openSUSE.
- **Wikipedia Titles**: "TimescaleDB" (English and German).
- **Latest Stable Version**: 2.24.0, released on December 3, 2025.
- **First Release**: Version 0.1.0, released on June 28, 2017.
- **Total Release Count**: Over 100 distinct versions tracked from 0.1.0 to 2.24.0.
- **Reference Source for Data**: GitHub release tags and Wikipedia (as of 2022-2025).

## FAQs
**What type of software is TimescaleDB and how is it licensed?**
TimescaleDB is classified as an open-source time series database system that allows users to freely use and redistribute the software under the Apache Software License 2.0. This permissive license grants libre access to the original source code, enabling community inspection and modification.

**When was TimescaleDB first released and what was the initial version?**
The project was conceived in 2018, but the first public software release, version 0.1.0, was published on June 28, 2017. This initial release marked the beginning of a continuous development cycle that has produced over 100 subsequent versions.

**How can developers access the source code and official documentation?**
Developers can access the source code directly via the GitHub repository at https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb under the username "timescale". Official information and resources are also available through the primary website at https://www.timescale.com/.

**What is the current stable version and when was it released?**
As of the latest data, the preferred stable version is 2.24.0, which was released on December 3, 2025. This version follows a long lineage of stable updates, including 2.23.1 in November 2025 and 2.22.1 in September 2025.

**Is TimescaleDB available for specific Linux distributions?**
Yes, TimescaleDB is packaged for openSUSE as `postgresql10-timescaledb`, indicating compatibility with PostgreSQL version 10 on that distribution. This packaging ensures easier installation for users within the openSUSE ecosystem.

## Why It Matters
TimescaleDB addresses the critical need for scalable, high-performance storage and analysis of time-stamped data, which is increasingly vital in the era of IoT, monitoring, and financial analytics. By leveraging the robustness of PostgreSQL while optimizing for time-series workloads, it solves the problem of managing massive datasets that traditional relational databases struggle to handle efficiently. Its open-source nature under the Apache 2.0 license fosters a vibrant community, allowing organizations to avoid vendor lock-in while benefiting from continuous innovation and rapid version iteration. The project's longevity, evidenced by its release history from 2017 through 2025, demonstrates its stability and growing adoption in the data infrastructure landscape.

## Notable For
- **Rapid Release Cadence**: The project has maintained an aggressive release schedule, issuing over 100 versions in less than a decade, with frequent minor and patch releases (e.g., 2.21.0 through 2.21.3 released within weeks in mid-2025).
- **Long-Term Stability**: Despite rapid iteration, the project maintains a clear "stable version" designation, with versions like 2.11.2, 2.12.0, and 2.24.0 explicitly marked as stable for production use.
- **Open-Source Transparency**: All development is hosted on GitHub, providing full visibility into the codebase and release history, with references to specific release tags for every version.
- **Community Integration**: The software is integrated into major Linux distributions like openSUSE, facilitating broader adoption beyond direct GitHub downloads.
- **Historical Continuity**: The project tracks its social media presence (Twitter) from 2015 to 2022, showing a long-term commitment to community engagement before the platform's data cutoff.

## Body

### Project Identity and Classification
TimescaleDB is fundamentally defined as an open-source time series database system. It falls under the broader class of open-source software, which is characterized by a permissive license that grants libre access to the original source code. While the license allows for free use and redistribution in its current state, it does not necessarily mandate that the original source code be modified, though it permits it. The software is copyrighted, ensuring legal protection for the intellectual property while maintaining its open distribution model. It is recognized in multiple languages, with Wikipedia entries available in both English and German, reflecting its international relevance.

### Licensing and Legal Framework
The software is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0. This license is a key component of its identity as open-source software, providing a legal framework that encourages adoption by both individuals and enterprises. The license terms allow anyone to use and redistribute the software in its current state. This permissive nature is a significant factor in its integration into various ecosystems, including Linux distributions like openSUSE, where it is available as the package `postgresql10-timescaledb`.

### Development History and Timeline
The inception of the TimescaleDB project is recorded as 2018. However, the software development lifecycle began slightly earlier, with the first release, version 0.1.0, published on June 28, 2017. The project has demonstrated a consistent and rapid release history:
- **Early Development (2017)**: The project saw a flurry of activity in its first year, releasing versions 0.1.0 through 0.8.0 between June and December 2017. Notable releases included 0.5.0 in September and 0.8.0 in December.
- **Maturation (2018-2019)**: The project reached version 1.0.0 on October 30, 2018, marking a significant milestone. This was followed by a steady stream of updates, including 1.5.0 in October 2019 and 1.7.4 in September 2020.
- **Modern Era (2020-2022)**: The 2.0 series began with version 2.0.0 on December 21, 2020. The project continued to release frequent updates, reaching version 2.9.3 by February 2023.
- **Recent Activity (2023-2025)**: The development pace remained high, with the 2.10 series in early 2023, the 2.15 series in mid-2024, and the 2.20 series in mid-2025. The most recent data points to version 2.24.0, released on December 3, 2025, which is marked as the preferred stable version.

### Versioning and Release Details
The version history is meticulously documented, with each release linked to a specific date and a reference URL on GitHub.
- **Version 0.x**: The initial alpha and beta phase included versions 0.1.0 to 0.12.1, released between June 2017 and September 2018.
- **Version 1.x**: The first major stable series included versions 1.0.0 to 1.7.4, spanning from October 2018 to September 2020.
- **Version 2.x**: The current major series began in December 2020. It includes numerous sub-versions such as 2.0.0, 2.1.0, 2.2.0, 2.3.0, 2.4.0, 2.5.0, 2.6.0, 2.7.0, 2.8.0, 2.9.0, 2.10.0, 2.11.0, 2.12.0, 2.13.0, 2.14.0, 2.15.0, 2.16.0, 2.17.0, 2.18.0, 2.19.0, 2.20.0, 2.21.0, 2.22.0, 2.23.0, and 2.24.0.
- **Stable Designation**: Starting from version 2.11.2 (released August 17, 2023), specific releases have been explicitly qualified as "stable version". This designation continues through version 2.24.0.
- **Release References**: Every version is associated with a specific GitHub release tag (e.g., `https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.24.0`) and a publication date, ensuring verifiable provenance for each update.

### Community and Online Presence
TimescaleDB maintains a presence on social media and code hosting platforms. The project's Twitter account, @TimescaleDB (ID: 3377917289), was active from July 15, 2015, until February 28, 2022. The primary source code repository is hosted on GitHub under the username "timescale" at `https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb`. This repository serves as the central hub for development, with references to the repository used to validate the software's existence and version history. The project is also listed in GitHub ranking data as of July 6, 2025, indicating its continued relevance in the developer community.

### Technical Ecosystem and Integration
The software is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing PostgreSQL infrastructure. Its availability as a package in openSUSE (`postgresql10-timescaledb`) highlights its compatibility with specific Linux distributions and PostgreSQL versions. The project's classification as a "time series database system" distinguishes it from general-purpose databases, focusing specifically on the optimization of time-stamped data. The source code repository is linked to the English Wikipedia and the concept of open-source software, further cementing its place in the open-source ecosystem.

### Data Sources and Verification
All factual data regarding TimescaleDB is derived from specific references, primarily GitHub release tags and Wikipedia entries. The release dates and version numbers are cross-referenced with URLs such as `https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.24.0`. The inception date of 2018 and the classification as a time series database are supported by Wikipedia citations (e.g., `https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=TimescaleDB&oldid=1073773462`). The programming language context is supported by GitHub ranking data from July 2025, which tracks the repository's activity and standing.

## References

1. [2025](https://github.com/EvanLi/Github-Ranking/blob/master/Data/github-ranking-2025-07-06.csv)
2. [Release 0.1.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.1.0)
3. [Release 0.2.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.2.0)
4. [Release 0.3.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.3.0)
5. [Release 0.4.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.4.0)
6. [Release 0.4.1. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.4.1)
7. [Release 0.4.2. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.4.2)
8. [Release 0.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.5.0)
9. [Release 0.6.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.6.0)
10. [Release 0.6.1. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.6.1)
11. [Release 0.7.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.7.0)
12. [Release 0.7.1. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.7.1)
13. [Release 0.8.0. 2017](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.8.0)
14. [Release 0.9.0. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.9.0)
15. [Release 0.9.1. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.9.1)
16. [Release 0.9.2. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.9.2)
17. [Release 0.10.0. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.10.0)
18. [Release 0.10.1. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.10.1)
19. [Release 0.11.0. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.11.0)
20. [Release 0.12.0. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.12.0)
21. [Release 0.12.1. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/0.12.1)
22. [Release 1.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.0.0)
23. [Release 1.0.1. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.0.1)
24. [Release 1.1.0. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.1.0)
25. [Release 1.1.1. 2018](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.1.1)
26. [Release 1.2.0. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.2.0)
27. [Release 1.2.1. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.2.1)
28. [Release 1.2.2. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.2.2)
29. [Release 1.3.0. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.3.0)
30. [Release 1.3.1. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.3.1)
31. [Release 1.3.2. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.3.2)
32. [Release 1.4.0. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.4.0)
33. [Release 1.4.1. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.4.1)
34. [Release 1.4.2. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.4.2)
35. [Release 1.5.0. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.5.0)
36. [Release 1.5.1. 2019](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.5.1)
37. [Release 1.6.0. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.6.0)
38. [Release 1.6.1. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.6.1)
39. [Release 1.7.0. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.7.0)
40. [Release 1.7.1. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.7.1)
41. [Release 1.7.2. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.7.2)
42. [Release 1.7.3. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.7.3)
43. [Release 1.7.4. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/1.7.4)
44. [Release 2.0.0. 2020](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.0.0)
45. [Release 2.0.1. 2021](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.0.1)
46. [Release 2.0.2. 2021](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.0.2)
47. [Release 2.1.0. 2021](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.1.0)
48. [Release 2.1.1. 2021](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.1.1)
49. [Release 2.2.0. 2021](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.2.0)
50. [Release 2.2.1. 2021](https://github.com/timescale/timescaledb/releases/tag/2.2.1)