Ask Database Guru Brian Aker

Brian Aker is Director of Architecture for MySQL AB. He has also worked on the code (and database) that runs Slashdot, and is well-known in both Apache and Perl circles. Outside of the arcane world of open source "back-end" programming, though, hardly anyone has heard of him. This is your chance to ask Brian (hopefully after looking at his blog and Wikipedia listing) about anything you like, from Perl to database architecture to open source philosophy to upcoming events in Seattle. We'll send Brian 10 of the highest-moderated questions approximately 24 hours after this post appears. His (verbatim) answers will appear late this week or early next week.

Comments

Data Truncation

[FroMan]

Is it valid behavior to silently tru

mySQL vs. PostgreSQL

[saterdaies]

So, let me get this straight: you (mySQL) use a dolphin to fetch data while PostgreSQL uses an elephant to fetch data. Would that explain why PostgreSQL is better at fetching large datasets? Like, the elephant can haul more, but is slower while the dolphin is faster, but can't carry as well? Have you thought about using a non-animal to fetch your data? Maybe a racecar? Those are fast and could probably haul as much as an elephant. Plus, then I wouldn't need to have fish or peanuts in my server room.

Re:mySQL vs. PostgreSQL

[daeg]

Reminds me of a few years back. I had just finished presenting a lengthy, well-thought out package on implementing a new software system for a new company to the owner. After the entire charade, he looked me in the eye as he pointed to the cover of the document, which featured the logos of all software systems involved. He was pointing to the MySQL dolphin. "What's this dolphin doing here? you're not some kind of [expletive] [expletive] [expletive] eco nut are you? I'm not a fan of them..."