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From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.
YouTube Shorts just borrowed more of TikTok's best tricks
AppWizard
June 29, 2026

YouTube Shorts just borrowed more of TikTok’s best tricks

YouTube is enhancing its Shorts platform with several new features: - Introduction of 2x playback speed, allowing users to accelerate through content by holding either side of the screen. - A "clear screen" mode that hides on-screen elements for a cleaner viewing experience. - Replacement of the thumbs-up icon with a heart for expressing approval. - Elimination of the dislike button, with users now able to select "Not interested" or "Don’t recommend this channel" for feedback. - Current dislike counts will remain accessible in YouTube Studio, but new dislike counts for Shorts will not be collected starting at the end of June. - Users can mute Shorts directly from the player for a quieter browsing experience.
Google confirms new Play Store terms to roll out from end-June
AppWizard
June 25, 2026

Google confirms new Play Store terms to roll out from end-June

Google has updated its billing terms and fees for the Play Store, effective June 30 in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. App publishers will be allowed to use their own billing systems and websites for app sales, providing them with greater control over revenue. Developers can implement their own payment systems to potentially reduce costs and increase profit margins. Those who continue using Google Play services will benefit from reduced fees.
This GTA 5 filmmaker is livestreaming every step of machinima production, from location scouting to live debugging when the game inevitably crashes
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

This GTA 5 filmmaker is livestreaming every step of machinima production, from location scouting to live debugging when the game inevitably crashes

Filmmaker Jordy Veenstra has been involved in Grand Theft Auto machinima for over a decade. He recently hosted "Machinima Dev Streams" on YouTube and Twitch, showcasing the production process of GTA 5 films, including challenges like location scouting and technical troubleshooting. Veenstra used tools such as Menyoo and ScriptHookVDotNet during the streams and encountered issues like game crashes that required restarts. He aims to expand future streams to share broader creative insights and experiences from his machinima projects.
I have no enemies: Minecraft pt.4
AppWizard
June 20, 2026

I have no enemies: Minecraft pt.4

User engagement metrics on YouTube are essential for business success and include view counts, watch time, likes and dislikes, and comments. Businesses are leveraging YouTube's advertising capabilities to target specific demographics, utilizing sophisticated algorithms for tailored strategies. Effective content creation strategies include storytelling, collaborations, and interactive elements to enhance viewer participation. Adapting and innovating on platforms like YouTube is crucial for maintaining relevance and achieving growth.
Neon vs Supabase 2026: $1B Deal, Scale-to-Zero
Tech Optimizer
June 14, 2026

Neon vs Supabase 2026: $1B Deal, Scale-to-Zero

Neon and Supabase are two managed PostgreSQL platforms with distinct approaches. Neon adopts a serverless architecture that separates storage and compute, allowing databases to scale to zero when idle and enabling rapid database branching. Supabase, in contrast, provides a comprehensive backend-as-a-service that includes authentication, file storage, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions, all built around PostgreSQL. In 2025, Databricks acquired Neon for approximately billion, motivated by the observation that around 80% of databases created on Neon were generated by AI agents. Post-acquisition, users experienced reduced storage costs and improved pricing structures, although concerns arose regarding Neon's independence. Neon features instant database branching and a scale-to-zero capability, while Supabase offers a fully integrated backend with built-in authentication and storage. Neon operates on a usage-based pricing model, whereas Supabase has a flat-tier pricing structure. Both platforms support the pgvector extension for AI applications, but Supabase is fully open-source and allows for self-hosting, unlike Neon. The developer community recognizes Supabase for its ease of use and rapid application development capabilities, while Neon is praised for its innovative serverless features and cost efficiency. Migration between the two platforms is simplified due to their shared PostgreSQL foundation.
YouTube Brings In-App Sharing & Messaging To The U.S.
AppWizard
June 12, 2026

YouTube Brings In-App Sharing & Messaging To The U.S.

YouTube is expanding its in-app video sharing and messaging feature to key markets including the U.S., U.K., Brazil, Singapore, and various U.S. territories. Users aged 18 and older can share videos and engage in discussions without leaving the app. The messaging system operates through an invitation process, allowing users to send invite links that expire after seven days. Once connected, users can share long-form videos, Shorts, and live streams, and have the ability to unsend messages, block, or report others. This feature is not available for Brand Accounts and is governed by YouTube’s Community Guidelines, with content not used for ad targeting. The original messaging feature was discontinued in 2019 but was reintroduced as a pilot in Ireland and Poland in November 2025, later expanding to 31 European countries. YouTube plans to further expand this feature, though specific markets and timelines are not yet disclosed.
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