In various embodiments, a computer system implements a service that stores a plurality of database templates that define data types supported for a non-relational database accessible to a plurality of applications. The service receives, from a developer of an application, a selection of one of the plurality of database templates to be used by the application. In response to the selection, the service issues a set of data definition language (DDL) instructions to provision the non-relational database with a schema that implements a particular data type defined by the selected template. Requests from the application to manipulate a value of the particular data type stored in the non-relational database system are serviced. In some embodiments, the servicing includes identifying a set of data manipulation language (DML) instructions to be executed and issuing the set of DML, instructions to the non-relational database.