The Data Stack Show

249: Quacking Through Data: Duckdb's Emerging Ecosystem

Jun 18, 2025
Matt Kelliher-Gibson, known as the cynical data guy, joins to unravel the latest innovations in data analytics. The discussion kicks off with DuckDB's exciting Duck Lake announcement, emphasizing its role as a local analytics powerhouse compatible with Apache Iceberg. They dive into the complexities of data catalogs and the future of metadata orchestration, exploring how to simplify data management. Plus, a quirky demo showcases a speech-to-SQL tool while playfully quacking! Tune in for a blend of humor and insightful tech talk!
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INSIGHT

DuckDB as Local Analytics Engine

  • DuckDB acts like a SQLite for analytics, embedding lightweight local compute into many applications.
  • It serves as a fast local SQL engine suitable for analytics projects, development, and BI tool integration.
INSIGHT

Duck Lake as Iceberg Cache Layer

  • Duck Lake offers Apache Iceberg-compatible data handling and metadata migration.
  • It positions DuckDB as a local cache and acceleration layer for open table formats.
ADVICE

Practical Uses for DuckDB

  • Use DuckDB locally for fast, offline analytics and SQL query execution.
  • Consider it for local development, CI/CD testing, and embedding in BI tools to reduce reliance on remote warehouses.
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