Guide to PostgreSQL source tree
От | Gavin Sherry |
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Тема | Guide to PostgreSQL source tree |
Дата | |
Msg-id | Pine.LNX.4.21.0108191703280.7654-100000@linuxworld.com.au обсуждение исходный текст |
Ответы |
Re: Guide to PostgreSQL source tree
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Список | pgsql-hackers |
Hi all, For a few months now I've been thinking about whether or not a guide ('line-by-line') to the Postgres source tree would be of any value. Such a guide would, most probably, trace an 'ultimate' query (ie, one which requires the use of all source level functionality) through the source as well as reference appendices guides to underlying functionality (backend lib, transactions, macros) and client interfaces (inc. FE/BE protocol, internals of the libs etc), procedural language interfaces, SPI and any other part of the source I have left out. The guide would look at all non-trivial functions and code segments in the source. Examination would involve explanation of complex code (at a line-by-line level), background information of reasoning behind the code-level design of important functionality, analysis of algorithms and what ever else seems helpful to people approaching the source. I think it would be most useful as a non-commercial project intended for distribution from the Postgres Web site. Obviously such a project would take a very long time and would have to involve more people than myself. So the questions which go unanswered are: Would such a work be of any real use? Would it be of use to enough people? Is this the right way to go about introducing people to the source? Is it desirable to introduce (lots of) people to the source? For my part, I think such a project would be a good way of countering two things which are affecting Postgres's popularity. Firstly, in Australia (and I imagine other parts of the world) University courses dealing with database/information systems (whether it be as basic as an introduction to SQL or as detailed as developing complicated/sophisticated data storage systems) are more often than not sponsored by vendors (Oracle, IBM, Sybase) or 'consultancy' companies who may as well be sales reps for vendors. Which ever it is, in the end courses are full of marketing drivel and very little analysis and exploration of real concepts/problems. Secondly, where Postgres really out performs proprietary databases is in its source being open. Problems which cause major functionality problems and downtime in critical vendor installations could often easily be resolved if developers had the source. I think a thorough source guide would go some way to bolstering the appeal of Postgres to such developers whilst countering some of the arguments for throwing hefty sums of money at support. So, what do people think? Gavin
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