🔗 Postgres as queue

Using Postgres as a queue can simplify architecture and reduce complexity. The article shares insights from a team that effectively implemented this strategy to minimize infrastructure issues and avoid the overhead of elaborate message brokers. By polling and processing tasks directly in Postgres, the team demonstrated that added database load is often minimal, with task handling times only slightly increasing. They provided a clear example from the energy sector, illustrating how single-row updates can efficiently manage task states. This approach negates many common pain points found in multi-container setups and accidental complexity in SNS/PubSub architectures. The implementation also allows for easy adjustments, such as retries and batch processing, making it a flexible option for many developers. Overall, the article presents a persuasive argument for reconsidering traditional queuing methods in favor of leveraging Postgres directly.