Practical overview
When it fits
Use it when an application already has embedding vectors and needs an in-memory retrieval service with a Python client or REST interface.
Who it is for
- Developers adding vector retrieval to Python applications or RAG systems.
- Teams that want to expose vector storage and search through a self-hosted REST service.
Documented uses
- Store text chunks with embeddings and metadata.
- Build an index and search for similar vectors using a query embedding.
- Filter search results by metadata.
- Choose among documented indexing algorithms and supported similarity metrics.
Requirements & limits
The project is published as a public GitHub repository. Its README documents Docker and local Python setup.
- Index and metric support are coupled: linear supports cosine and Euclidean; KD-tree supports Euclidean; LSH supports cosine.
- The default repository is in-memory and per process; the README warns that multiple workers keep separate data copies and snapshots.
- The README lists snapshot and restore functionality and describes file-based, database-backed or external shared storage as alternatives for persistence or multi-worker use.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Set up a local vector search and run the documented example
Start the service locally, then use the Python SDK example to add vectors, build an index and search.
Before you start
- Python and the repository's requirements file for local setup
- Repository source at https://github.com/doganarif/vectordb
Steps
Create and activate a Python virtual environment.
Install dependencies with the command below.
pip install -r requirements.txtStart the service with the command below or the documented Uvicorn command.
make runUse
VectorDBClientto create a library, document and chunks with embeddings, then build an index and search with a query vector.
Expected outcome
A local FastAPI service and a Python SDK workflow for storing vectors and retrieving similar results.
Guide limitations
- The documented data repository is in-memory and per process; multiple workers maintain separate data copies.
- The example supplies embedding vectors. Cohere embedding support is listed separately and requires a configured API key when used.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 18 October 2026
- Original website title
- doganarif/vectordb · Official homepage title · retained in its source language

