Prisma Client generation
Generate a typed database client for application code from the Prisma data model.
Prisma · Const
generator
generator is a Prisma schema block that configures assets produced by prisma generate. For the current Prisma Client generator, set provider and the required output path.
How it works
In a Prisma schema, generator introduces a named generator block. The block selects the generator with provider and, for the current prisma-client generator, specifies the required destination with output; running prisma generate then creates the configured assets there.
Syntax
generator <name> {
provider = "<generator-provider>"
output = "<output-path>"
}Parameters
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
provider | string | Selects the generator implementation, such as the built-in Prisma Client generator. |
output | string | Required for prisma-client; path where generated Prisma Client code is written. |
Returns
Generated assets, including customized Prisma Client code when the prisma-client provider is configured.
Key points
- Generators describe the assets that Prisma should produce when
prisma generateexecutes. - The selected generator controls what kind of generated output Prisma creates.
- For
prisma-client,outputis mandatory and identifies the generated client's destination. - The
prisma-clientprovider produces a database-specific Prisma Client for application code.
Common mistakes
- With the current
prisma-clientgenerator, omittingoutputis invalid because the generated client destination must be explicit.
Example: Configure Prisma Client generation
generator client {
provider = "prisma-client"
output = "./generated"
}
This schema block configures Prisma Client generation; run npx prisma generate from the project to create the client in the selected output directory.
When to use it
Multiple generated assets
Create outputs from more than one configured generator in a single schema.
Custom output location
Keep generated client code in a project-controlled directory by setting an explicit destination.
Interview questions
QWhat is the purpose of a generator block?
A generator block defines which assets Prisma creates when prisma generate runs. Its name is an identifier for the block, while provider selects the generator implementation.
Follow-up: How do you control where the generated client is written? Set the required output field to a path in the generator block.
QWhich fields are required for the current Prisma Client generator?
The current Prisma Client generator uses provider = "prisma-client". It also requires an output path, which determines where the generated Prisma Client code is placed.
Follow-up: What happens after configuration? Running prisma generate reads the schema and generates the customized client in that output directory.
QCan a Prisma schema define multiple generators?
A schema can contain one or more generators, and each generator determines assets produced by prisma generate. The command processes the generators defined in the schema.
Follow-up: How can a project use more than one generator? Add multiple named generator blocks, each configured for its own provider and supported options.
Related
prisma-clientprisma-client-jsprisma generateprovideroutputdatasourcedata model