Compiled Conversations All Aboard the PostgreSQL Train with Bruce Momjian
Sep 3, 2025
Bruce Momjian, a pivotal figure in the PostgreSQL community since 1996, delves into the rich 39-year history of Postgres, highlighting its origins and extensibility. He discusses how notable features like JSONB and PostGIS emerged thanks to its open-source community. Bruce tackles the complexities of implementing transparent data encryption, the nuances of sharding, and the balance between performance and storage options. He emphasizes the importance of staying engaged within the community and explores the evolution of PostgreSQL amidst cloud computing and modern data demands.
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Volunteer To Core Contributor
- Bruce Momjian started volunteering on Postgres in 1996 by collecting patches and packaging releases.
- He turned that volunteer work into a full-time role by 2000 and remained a core maintainer.
Longevity Through Community Care
- Postgres's 39-year codebase stays relevant because the community constantly polishes and reduces technical debt.
- Clear code and easy on-ramps attract volunteers who sustain long-term momentum.
Why People Contribute
- Four core motivations drive open source contributions: puzzles, giving back, career growth, and need.
- Those motivations create a broad talent pool that fuels Postgres's development.