I am Rahila Syed. I have worked on developing features for PostgreSQL and its extensions for 12 years, the last few of which have been focused on a PostgreSQL extension called PGD, which provides a multi-master, geo-replicated database using logical replication.
I started working on PostgreSQL straight out of college after finishing my Bachelor’s degree in IT Engineering. NTT DATA’s OSS division hired a group of fresh graduates to work on PostgreSQL, and I was one of them. Working with a team of recent graduates was a fun experience. We were introduced to PostgreSQL architecture by mentors at NTT DATA and began our hacking journey.
A memorable moment was when I had the opportunity to attend PGCon, the oldest and most reputable PostgreSQL developer conference, in Ottawa and present my work on WAL reduction.
I have contributed to features like FPW compression in WAL, parallel index scan, column filtering in logical replication among others.
I have faced numerous challenges, from the first draft of a patch all the way to getting it committed. Asking for help from smarter, more experienced folks sooner rather than later has helped me overcome these challenges.
By participating in mailing lists like pgsql-hackers and postgres conferences.
I have had the opportunity to interact with some amazing women coders in my career and have learnt a great deal from them. I am looking forward to fostering more such relationships in the future.
All the best, and have faith in your abilities!
I personally rely heavily on the official PostgreSQL documentation and code comments to understand the functioning of PostgreSQL. Additionally, I listen to talks given by developers at various conferences to enhance my understanding of different topics.
Project to move postgres from a multi-process to a multi-threaded architecture.
I look forward to contributing more to open source PostgreSQL development in my new role, which I will begin this month.
It gives me the opportunity to learn by interacting daily with the talented engineers behind this great database.
I think it is a constant struggle, but having a support system both at home and within the team helps a lot. It is also beneficial to voice your concerns whenever necessary.
Kudos to you and your contributions!
Our idea explores the implementation of AI-driven query optimization in PostgreSQL, addressing the limitations of traditional optimization methods in handling modern database complexities. We present an innovative approach using reinforcement learning for automated index selection and query plan optimization. Our system leverages PostgreSQL’s pg_stat_statements for collecting query metrics and employs HypoPG for index simulation, while a neural network model learns optimal indexing strategies from historical query patterns. Through comprehensive testing on various workload scenarios, we will validate the model’s ability to adapt to dynamic query patterns and complex analytical workloads. The research also examines the scalability challenges and practical considerations of implementing AI optimization in production environments.
Our findings establish a foundation for future developments in self-tuning databases while offering immediate practical benefits for PostgreSQL deployments. This work contributes to the broader evolution of database management systems, highlighting the potential of AI in creating more efficient and adaptive query optimization solutions.
This talk provides an introductory overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), exploring key concepts and their application in building intelligent systems. It will highlight the essential AI/ML techniques, such as supervised and unsupervised learning, and discuss practical use cases in modern industries. The session also focuses on how PostgreSQL, with its powerful extensions like PostgresML, TimescaleDB, and PostGIS, supports the development of AI-powered applications. By leveraging PostgreSQL’s ability to handle complex datasets and integrate machine learning models, participants will learn how to build scalable, intelligent solutions directly within the database environment.
Success is a multiplier of Action, External Factors and Destiny.
Out of these three, the only controllable aspect is our action. Again, action is the result of our EQ, IQ, SQ, and WQ (Willingness Quotient) together.
We all want to be successful and keep trying to motivate ourselves with external factors. We read inspirational books, listen to great personalities, and whenever possible upgrade ourselves with more knowledge and the list goes on.
Indeed these are excellent motivators, but in this process, we forget the most important source of energy, YOU!
We read other stories to feel inspired, thinking “I am not enough!”
But, the day we start accepting ourselves, introspect, understand, and align our life purpose with our routine, we find the internal POWER. This is a continuous source of motivation and energy which we need at down moments. When we feel, lonely, stuck and seek help, our inner voice is the greatest companion.
But, how many times do we consciously think about our “Subconscious”?
“Journey to Self” is our structured coaching program where we take back focus from the outside and delve deep inside to find our inner strength. Focusing on self-acceptance and personal growth
I believe everyone has POWER within them!
Let’s be the POWERHOUSE!
Human, AI, and Personalized User Experience for DB Observability: A Composable Approach
Database users across various technical levels are frequently frustrated by the time-consuming and inefficient process of identifying the root causes of issues. This process often involves navigating multiple systems or dashboards, leading to delays in finding solutions and potential downstream impacts on operations.
The challenge is compounded by the varying levels of expertise among users. It is essential to strike the right balance between specialized and generalized experiences. Oversimplification can result in the loss of critical information, while an overwhelming amount of data can alienate certain users.
Developers and designers are constantly navigating these trade-offs to deliver optimal user experiences. The integration of AI introduces an additional layer of complexity. While AI can provide personalized experiences within databases, it is crucial to maintain user trust and transparency in the process.
The concept of personalized composable observability offers a potential solution. By combining the strengths of human expertise, information balance, and AI-driven personalization, we can create intuitive and user-friendly experiences. This approach allows users to tailor their observability tools and workflows to their specific needs and preferences.