The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Picking a database should be simple (Friends)
Aug 9, 2024
Ben Johnson, a database aficionado behind BoltDB and a contributor to SQLite at Fly.io, dives into the crucial question of database selection. He shares insights on the evolution of database management and emphasizes context-driven choices, comparing PostgreSQL and SQLite. Johnson discusses the balance between complexity and simplicity, advocating for user-friendly solutions while addressing the challenges of remote databases. The conversation also touches on innovative tools like LightFS and highlights the significance of data reliability versus risk.
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Starting Database
- Start with Postgres for most use cases due to its large community, tooling, and documentation.
- Consider MySQL if you're in a PHP environment, but Postgres generally offers fewer drawbacks.
Database Overlap
- Most SQL databases offer significant overlap in functionality, sharing roughly 90% of their features.
- Differentiating factors lie in the details and specific use cases.
Database Logic
- Put high-level constraints and checks within the database itself to maintain consistency across different clients.
- Avoid over-reliance on application-layer logic for core database functionalities.