Writing · Nº 041065 essays
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Clear filtersEngineeringDual-Write: Cut Over a Database Without a Freeze WindowA dual-write migration lets you cut over a production database without a freeze window. Here is how to run one safely, and when to reach for it instead.EngineeringSelf-Host Your Job Queue vs Renting SQSSelf-host your job queue vs renting SQS: when a Redis or Postgres-backed queue on your own box beats a managed queue, and when the managed one earns its keep.EngineeringManaged Postgres vs Self-Hosted: The Real Cost MathWhat does managed Postgres actually cost versus running it yourself? Here is the dollar math for RDS, Neon, and a self-hosted Postgres on a VPS.EngineeringOne Postgres Box Under Every App I RunWhy I run one self-hosted Postgres box under an entire portfolio instead of a managed database per app, and how shared Postgres cuts cost and lock-in at once.EngineeringAPI Lock-In Is Worse Than Data Lock-InData lock-in gets all the attention, but API lock-in is worse. When your code is wired to a proprietary API, leaving means a rewrite, not an export.Engineeringrestic vs Borg for VPS Backups: How to Chooserestic vs BorgBackup for self-hosted VPS backups. Which handles cloud object storage, dedup, and encryption better, and which one I run across my portfolio.EngineeringSelf-Host Search vs Algolia: When to Own ItSelf-host search vs Algolia: when owning your search index with Meilisearch or Typesense beats renting per-query search, and when the hosted API still wins.EngineeringOpen Core and BSL License Traps to Watch ForOpen core and BSL license traps can lock you in as hard as any SaaS. How to read software licenses so self-hosting an open tool does not turn into a bill.OperatingWhen to Leave Vercel for Your Own BoxWhen to leave Vercel and similar managed platforms for your own VPS: the traffic, cost, and control signals that mean you have outgrown convenience hosting.EngineeringHow to Run a Staging Environment on One VPSYou do not need a second server for staging. Here is how to run a staging environment on the same VPS as production without them colliding.EngineeringPostgres Point-in-Time Recovery on Your Own ServerNightly dumps lose a full day. Postgres point-in-time recovery with WAL archiving lets you restore a self-hosted database to the exact second before disaster hit.OperatingShould an Agency Self-Host Its Client Data?Should an agency self-host client data or keep it on managed tools? The answer is own the data and control the exit, whether or not you run the servers.