data manipulation Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

PostgreSQL 18: Part 4, or CommitFest 2025-01

PostgreSQL 18 includes significant enhancements in monitoring capabilities and new features. Key updates include: - Buffer information in EXPLAIN ANALYZE is now enabled by default, providing detailed buffer statistics for better query performance insights. - The pg_stat_io view tracks I/O statistics in bytes (read_bytes, write_bytes, extend_bytes), simplifying monitoring of I/O operations. - Enhanced monitoring of Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) statistics is introduced, allowing tracking of WAL operations and new WAL segment initialization. - The pg_stat_get_backend_io function provides I/O statistics for specific client processes, aiding in performance tuning. - The VACUUM (verbose) command now includes visibility map information, detailing all-visible pages after a vacuum operation. - The pg_stat_all_table view tracks total vacuum and analysis times per table, and users can adjust autovacuum workers without server restarts. - A new uuidv7 function generates UUIDs with a Unix-epoch timestamp for ordered identifiers. - The passwordcheck extension enforces a minimum password length for better security practices. - Improvements to the jsonb type ensure correct handling of null conversions. - The casefold function facilitates case-insensitive searches. - The RETURNING clause in DML commands now supports returning both old and new values. - The to_number function can convert Roman numerals to numeric values.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

Why You Should Use a PostgreSQL GUI Instead of the Command Line

PostgreSQL is a robust and reliable open-source database system. A graphical user interface (GUI) offers several benefits over the command line, including: - Easier navigation through databases without memorizing commands. - Better organization of data in structured views like tables or charts. - Simplified query creation with user-friendly editors that include syntax highlighting and suggestions. - Time-saving tools that streamline tasks with built-in shortcuts. - Visual feedback displaying query results in sortable and filterable tables. - Learning support for newcomers with tooltips and example queries. - Fewer errors by monitoring user input and flagging issues before execution. - Enhanced collaboration features for teams, including shared connections and real-time updates. - Customization options allowing users to modify layouts and save queries to fit their workflows.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

CISA tags Windows, Cisco vulnerabilities as actively exploited

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued an advisory for U.S. federal agencies to enhance their defenses against cyberattacks targeting vulnerabilities in Cisco and Windows systems. Two specific vulnerabilities have been identified: 1. CVE-2023-20118, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on certain VPN routers, requiring valid administrative credentials for exploitation. This vulnerability can be combined with CVE-2023-20025, an authentication bypass that grants root privileges to attackers. Cisco acknowledged this issue in an advisory in January 2023, with proof-of-concept exploit code publicly available. 2. CVE-2018-8639, a Win32k elevation of privilege flaw that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code in kernel mode, enabling data manipulation and unauthorized account creation. Microsoft issued a security advisory regarding this vulnerability in December 2018, affecting both client and server platforms. CISA has added both vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies to secure their networks against these vulnerabilities by March 23, as per the Binding Operational Directive 22-01. Additionally, CISA has alerted federal agencies to another critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-21413, in Microsoft Outlook, requiring patches by February 27.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Instant AI Databases

Postgres.new is an in-browser PostgreSQL sandbox designed for developers and data analysts, providing a straightforward environment that simplifies interactions with PostgreSQL. It features integrated AI assistance for generating SQL queries, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing performance. Users can experiment with database schemas and execute queries on sample datasets in a secure, rapid environment. The platform allows instant access from anywhere, supports collaborative development, streamlines workflows with AI guidance, and enhances productivity in data-driven projects. It caters to both experienced professionals and newcomers in database management.

Tech Optimizer

February 3, 2025

YugabyteDB 2.25 offers compatibility with PostgreSQL 15

Yugabyte has released YugabyteDB 2.25, which is fully compatible with PostgreSQL 15 and includes new features to improve user experience. The release incorporates PostgreSQL features from versions 11.2 to 15, such as generated columns, foreign keys on partitioned tables, and multi-range aggregates. Users can upgrade or downgrade versions without downtime, ensuring business continuity and enhancing operational efficiency.

Tech Optimizer

December 17, 2024

7 GitHub Open Source You Need to See

Open-source tools are enhancing productivity and streamlining processes for developers and organizations. Notable projects include: - **Olshansk/postgres_for_everything**: Extends PostgreSQL's capabilities with resources for JSON/JSONB types, TimescaleDB for time-series data, full-text search, pgRouting for graph data, and advanced SQL analytics. - **Biggest Shell Programs in the World**: Analyzes large shell scripts and systems, including the Linux Kernel Build System, Android Build System, and Debian Packaging Tools. - **Pulumi**: An infrastructure-as-code platform that allows management of cloud infrastructure using languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go, with features like multi-cloud support and Kubernetes integration. - **yorukot/superfile**: A Python library for file operations, offering high-level methods for file handling and cross-platform compatibility. - **soci-snapshotter**: An AWS Labs project for optimizing container image management through lazy loading and snapshotting technology. - **Spark UI**: Enhances management and monitoring of Apache Spark applications with live metrics, interactive visualizations, and integration with event logs. - **LFI.dev**: A framework for developing real-time collaborative web applications with offline functionality and synchronization. - **WrenAI**: A tool for creating intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants with prebuilt NLU and NLG capabilities. - **Astro 5.0**: A framework for building content-focused websites with server-side rendering, static site generation, and improved Markdown handling. - **Outerbase Studio**: An open-source database management tool with a browser-accessible UI and compatibility with various relational databases. - **Undici**: A high-performance HTTP client for Node.js, featuring advanced connection pooling, a promise-based interface, and support for streaming requests.

Tech Optimizer

December 12, 2024

Devart Introduces Updated dbForge Tools for PostgreSQL 3.2 to Improve Database Development and Operations

Devart has released updates for its products: dbForge Tools for PostgreSQL 3.2 and dbForge Edge 4.0. Key enhancements in dbForge Tools for PostgreSQL 3.2 include support for PostgreSQL 17 and cloud services like Supabase, Google Cloud, AlloyDB, and Azure Cosmos DB for PostgreSQL. It also introduces SSL/TLS certificate support for secure connections to PostgreSQL on AWS, smarter code completion, and the ability to copy data in Excel format from the Data Editor grid. Improved comparison tools feature CLI-powered generation of comparison reports and enhanced synchronization for DML/DDL triggers and CHECK constraints. The update includes advanced data generators for creating realistic test data across various categories. Usability improvements feature a redesigned Query History and new functionalities for SQL documents. Integrated learning opportunities are now available through Devart Academy. The update also extends to dbForge Edge, which supports multiple database systems and popular cloud services.

Winsage

December 1, 2024

The Ultimate Mac vs Windows Battle: Can Apple’s M4 Pro Reign Supreme?

The MacBook Pro features the M4 Pro chip and excels in CPU performance, outperforming the Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 by 50% in Cinebench multicore tests. It is particularly beneficial for creative professionals in photo and video editing due to its efficient hardware-software integration. The Asus ProArt StudioBook 16, equipped with an AMD HX 370 CPU and RTX 4070 GPU, excels in GPU-intensive applications such as 3D rendering and gaming. It offers up to 64GB of RAM compared to the MacBook Pro's base configuration of 24GB, which is advantageous for memory-intensive tasks. The MacBook Pro has three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the Asus provides a broader array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and SD card slots. The MacBook Pro operates cooler and quieter under load, while the Asus tends to run hotter and louder. For gaming, the Asus ProArt StudioBook 16 delivers higher frame rates and better compatibility with modern games. The MacBook Pro is known for its premium build quality and long-term reliability, often retaining better resale value, but it comes at a higher initial cost. The Asus offers better value for users focused on gaming or GPU-intensive workflows.

Winsage

November 28, 2024

RomCom exploits Firefox and Windows zero days in the wild

ESET researchers discovered a critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-9680, in Mozilla products exploited by the Russia-aligned group RomCom. This vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 9.8, affects various versions of Firefox, Thunderbird, and the Tor Browser, allowing code execution within the browser's restricted context. When combined with another Windows vulnerability, CVE-2024-49039, attackers can execute arbitrary code in the context of the logged-in user. The exploit can be triggered simply by visiting a malicious web page, enabling the installation of RomCom's backdoor without user interaction. RomCom has been linked to the exploitation of significant zero-day vulnerabilities, including the earlier use of CVE-2023-36884 via Microsoft Word in June 2023. The newly identified vulnerability was reported to Mozilla on October 8th, 2024, and patched the following day. The vulnerability is a use-after-free bug in Firefox's animation timeline. Further investigation revealed CVE-2024-49039, a privilege escalation bug in Windows, which Microsoft patched on November 12th, 2024. RomCom has targeted various sectors in 2024, including governmental entities in Ukraine, the pharmaceutical sector in the US, and the legal sector in Germany, among others. The compromise chain begins with a fake website that redirects victims to a server hosting the exploit. ESET identified multiple command-and-control servers used by RomCom, employing deceptive naming schemes to obscure their intentions. The exploit utilizes shellcode that executes arbitrary code by manipulating animation objects in Firefox. The vulnerability was patched by Mozilla within a day of its discovery. The RomCom backdoor is capable of executing commands and downloading additional modules onto the victim's machine. Indicators of compromise include specific JavaScript files and DLLs associated with the exploit.