table Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 20, 2026

PostgreSQL 18 on Amazon Aurora and Amazon RDS: Performance enhancements

PostgreSQL 18 addresses common performance challenges for users, including managing query performance across composite indexes, diagnosing memory spills in materialized Common Table Expressions (CTEs), and upgrading major versions without plan regressions. Key enhancements include skip scan optimization for multicolumn indexes, improved EXPLAIN functionality, and optimizer statistics that persist through major version upgrades. Skip scan optimization allows PostgreSQL to efficiently utilize multicolumn B-tree indexes even when leading columns are not specified in the WHERE clause, significantly improving query performance. The EXPLAIN command has been enhanced to include buffer statistics by default, providing deeper insights into query execution and resource usage. PostgreSQL 18 also introduces visibility into the storage of materialized nodes in query plans, indicating whether intermediate results were stored in memory or spilled to disk. A new metric, Index Searches, has been added to EXPLAIN ANALYZE output, indicating how many times the database traversed the index tree during query execution. Additionally, Self-Join Elimination (SJE) automatically detects and removes unnecessary inner joins of a table to itself, optimizing query performance. The autovacuum mechanism has been improved with the introduction of autovacuum_vacuum_max_threshold, which caps the number of dead tuples that can accumulate before autovacuum triggers a VACUUM, addressing issues with large tables. The vacuum_truncate parameter provides a server-wide control point to disable VACUUM’s file truncation behavior, reducing locking issues on busy systems. PostgreSQL 18 also separates the allocation of autovacuum worker slots from their usage, allowing for dynamic adjustments to autovacuum_max_workers without requiring a server restart. Finally, new columns in pg_stat_all_tables track cumulative time spent on maintenance operations, providing better insights into maintenance overhead for each table.

TrendTechie

June 20, 2026

Что такое торрент, как он работает и можно ли им пользоваться

Downloading a Linux distribution from the official website typically takes about half an hour, but during high-demand periods, such as new Ubuntu releases, speeds can drastically decrease due to server overload. Torrents, which use a peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol, allow users to download and share data simultaneously, reducing the load on a single server. Torrents operate by enabling direct exchanges between users through the BitTorrent protocol, where files are divided into smaller pieces and downloaded in parallel from multiple sources. Key terms include peers (users with parts of the file), seeds (users who have fully downloaded the file), .torrent files (metadata files), and magnet links (text-based alternatives to .torrent files). The BitTorrent protocol does not rely on a central server, enhancing resilience as files can continue to circulate as long as at least one seed is available. To use torrents, a torrent client is needed, with recommended options for 2026 including qBittorrent, Transmission, and BiglyBT. The BitTorrent technology itself is legal, but legality depends on the content being shared. Legal uses include downloading Linux distributions, open-source software, and scientific datasets, while unlicensed movies and cracked software are illegal. In Russia, while torrent technology is not prohibited, downloading copyrighted content without permission is a violation. Risks of using torrents include exposure to viruses and malware, copyright infringement, fake distributions, and IP address exposure. To protect oneself, users should choose moderated trackers, avoid suspicious files, use antivirus software, and limit upload speeds. Common problems include slow speeds, connection issues, and disappearing files, which can often be resolved by checking settings or ensuring there are seeds available. Sharing files after downloading is not legally mandatory but is considered good etiquette in the torrent community.

Tech Optimizer

June 20, 2026

pgEdge Announces ColdFront for PostgreSQL, Seamlessly Uniting AI, Analytical and OLTP Workloads

pgEdge ColdFront is a data tiering solution for PostgreSQL that allows seamless access to hot and cold storage without changing application code, reducing storage costs by up to 90%. The cold tier is writable, enabling operations like UPDATE and DELETE on archived rows using standard SQL commands. ColdFront automatically migrates older data to Apache Iceberg in Parquet format, compatible with S3-compatible object stores, while maintaining full accessibility through a single Postgres table name. It enhances performance with the DuckDB vectorized columnar engine, achieving 10-100x faster analytical performance on cold data. ColdFront simplifies data management by automating the movement of cold data to cost-effective storage, addressing challenges like increased storage costs and operational complexities. It allows for compliance tasks, such as GDPR deletion requests, to be executed with a single SQL statement. Key features include a directly writable cold tier, no application changes required, open-source operation, automated partition lifecycle management, cost-effective operations, and distributed access in multi-master clusters. ColdFront is beneficial for sectors like SaaS, IoT, and regulated industries, and is currently available as a production-grade beta, set to be integrated into pgEdge Cloud in the second half of 2026.

Tech Optimizer

June 20, 2026

How Five PostgreSQL Optimizations Sped Up Our Dashboard

The dashboard operates on a Django monolith with PostgreSQL and is transitioning to ClickHouse for denormalization. The initial p50 metric was 0.7 seconds, but the p95 was 8 seconds, which was reduced to 1 second. Observability tools were established to monitor performance, and slow HTTP requests were identified using OpenTelemetry traces. Optimization techniques included late joining, asynchronous counting, creating a PostgreSQL replica for read operations, and improving full-text search. Denormalization was explored to enhance filtering performance by creating composite indexes. The production stack was upgraded to PostgreSQL 18, which provided incremental performance improvements. The final p95 value achieved was 1 second, below the target of 3 seconds.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Announcing Lakebase Search: agent-native retrieval built into Lakebase Postgres

Lakebase Search is a hybrid vector and full-text retrieval system integrated into Lakebase, now in beta on AWS and Azure. It utilizes two Postgres extensions: lakebase_vector and lakebase_text, allowing agents to operate on a single data backend. Agents manage four times more databases than human users and require real-time access to indexed data. The system features a tiered architecture that stores cold data in cost-effective object storage while keeping active data in local NVMe, significantly reducing costs. The lakebase_vector extension offers 32x compression for vectors, allowing a billion vectors to fit into under 10GB of RAM. The lakebase_text extension provides BM25 relevance ranking without high RAM usage. Benchmarking shows that Lakebase Search can efficiently handle large-scale workloads, achieving high recall and low latency with reduced resource requirements compared to traditional architectures. The system allows for continuous search experimentation and dedicated retrieval engines for each agent, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

How to Use Meta AI on Meta Apps

Meta AI is integrated into WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, providing functionalities like chat, search, image generation, and automated customer support through the Meta Business Agent. Its availability varies by country, account type, app version, and language. Users should be aware that seeing a colleague's blue Meta AI ring in WhatsApp while they do not may indicate a rollout flag on Meta's end rather than an app malfunction. Meta AI can answer queries, suggest ideas, generate images from prompts, clarify messages, assist with searches, and support customer interactions for business accounts. It is linked to the Llama model family, including Llama 2 and Llama 3. To use Meta AI on WhatsApp, users need to update the app and can start a chat by locating the Meta AI button or circle. They can ask practical questions, request image generation, and utilize it in group chats. On Instagram, it enhances DMs and search functions, allowing users to create AI chats for content ideas and captions. In Messenger, there is an "Ask Meta AI" bar for direct interactions. Users can also utilize Meta AI on Facebook for search and content discovery. The Meta Business Agent is a version of Meta AI for businesses, providing 24/7 responses to customer inquiries. It can be set up in Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Business. Privacy measures should be considered, as users cannot entirely disable Meta AI and should avoid sharing sensitive information in chats. For better responses, users should provide context and constraints in their prompts and consider training in prompt design and AI risk management for professional use.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Steam Adds 11 New Free Games You Can Keep Forever

Steam has added a variety of free games to its library, including: - The Blackwood Project: A horror game where players investigate Blackwood Manor. - Bladefall: A hack-and-slash game with fast-paced melee combat. - 0.5%: A visual novel about two college students uncovering secrets. - Hexpand: A real-time multiplayer strategy game focused on territory expansion. - Pixel Rain: A sandbox game allowing players to create and experiment with interactive materials. - IOSoccer: An online multiplayer soccer game emphasizing ball control. - Hyper Glee Semik: A first-person shooter where players battle candies. - Jolly and Whimsy: An experimental visual novel about a character's quest to retrieve a friend. - Pantomime Horse Obstacle Course: A co-op platformer filled with humor and teamwork challenges. - Card Night at Gigi's: A card game collection featuring classic games in a cozy setting. - The Sphere: A point-and-click adventure exploring themes of loss and mystery.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

Microsoft CEO says Xbox needs to be more sustainable: “We’ve not been monetizing that entertainment”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussed the evolving landscape of Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, who is initiating a 100-day "reset" to enhance economic sustainability amidst rising costs. Sharma's letter to employees emphasized the need for adaptation in a competitive entertainment industry and acknowledged challenges from the hardware crisis and declining revenue. Nadella highlighted the importance of innovating in both hardware and gaming content while ensuring economic viability. Xbox Chief Creative Officer Matt Booty reassured the PC gaming community that exclusivity will mainly affect Xbox consoles, with titles remaining available on multiple platforms. Nadella noted the need for a sustainable business model, pointing out that current monetization strategies have not fully leveraged Xbox's entertainment value. He acknowledged the broader trend of rising prices in tech sectors and expressed confidence in Sharma's vision for Xbox's future. Matthew Ball, the new Chief Strategy Officer, suggested ad-supported tiers for more affordable consumer access, aligning with Nadella's vision for economically relevant offerings.

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.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Microsoft is looking to speed up development of future Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo games

Microsoft is considering a strategic pivot for its Xbox division, which may include spinning it off into a standalone entity or transforming it into a wholly-owned subsidiary. There are discussions about a potential joint venture with unnamed partners to facilitate a smoother sale of Xbox. The company is focusing its resources on its most prominent gaming titles while facing challenges, including the possibility of job losses for hundreds of employees. Anticipated game releases like Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls VI have left fans waiting for updates, and the Halo franchise has seen stagnation since the establishment of 343 Industries. Halo Infinite's content updates ceased in 2025, four years after its launch. Microsoft has not yet made immediate changes but is exploring a broad range of options for the future of Xbox.