Databases and Frameworks at the Edge with Glauber Costa and Igor Minar
Published:
Glauber Costa and Igor Minar join Anthony Campolo for a discussion about the future of developing web applications at the edge with databases and frameworks.
Episode Summary
This episode features a discussion between Glauber Costa from Turso and Igor Minar from Cloudflare about the evolving landscape of edge computing and databases. Glauber shares insights on Turso’s approach to edge databases, including their fork of SQLite called LeapSQL, which aims to provide efficient and cost-effective database solutions for edge computing. Igor discusses Cloudflare’s perspective on edge computing, introducing their new “smart placement” feature that optimizes application deployment based on data location. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in edge computing, including data distribution, performance optimization, and the importance of understanding where bottlenecks occur. Both guests emphasize the need for developers to consider data location and application architecture when leveraging edge computing technologies, and they explore how their respective companies are addressing these challenges to improve web application development and deployment at the edge.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Background
Glauber Costa introduces himself and his background in open source, including his work on the Linux kernel and his journey into database development. He discusses his experience at Red Hat, his involvement with the unikernel startup OSv, and his work on the Scylla database. Glauber then explains how these experiences led him to found ChiselStrike, which later became Turso. This chapter provides valuable context for understanding Glauber’s expertise and the motivations behind Turso’s approach to edge databases.
05:58 - Edge Computing and SQLite
Glauber delves into the rationale behind using SQLite for edge computing. He explains Turso’s decision to fork SQLite, creating LeapSQL, and discusses the advantages of this approach. Glauber highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of running SQLite at the edge, comparing it to traditional cloud databases. He also touches on the open-source nature of their fork and the additional features they’ve added, such as WebAssembly user-defined functions. This chapter provides insight into the technical decisions and innovations driving Turso’s edge database solution.
18:55 - Cloudflare’s Approach to Edge Computing
Igor Minar introduces himself and his role at Cloudflare, focusing on the development platform team. He discusses Cloudflare’s motivation for building primitives that enable edge computing solutions like D1 (their SQLite-based edge database). Igor emphasizes Cloudflare’s unique infrastructure, including their global network of data centers and bandwidth capacity. This chapter provides context for Cloudflare’s approach to edge computing and their strategy for enabling developers and partners to build on their platform.
33:28 - Smart Placement and Edge Optimization
Igor introduces Cloudflare’s new “smart placement” feature, which optimizes the deployment of applications based on data location. He explains the challenges of server-side rendering at the edge when data is centralized and how smart placement addresses these issues. Igor discusses the importance of understanding where bottlenecks occur in edge computing and how Cloudflare’s solution adapts to different use cases. This chapter highlights the complexities of edge computing and showcases innovative approaches to optimizing performance and resource usage.
40:11 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
The hosts wrap up the discussion, summarizing key points and providing contact information for both guests. Glauber shares his Twitter handle and mentions the Turso Database account. Igor directs listeners to his personal website, igor.dev. This chapter concludes the episode, offering listeners ways to follow up and learn more about the topics discussed.