Unveiling pg_duckdb: Enabling Direct Queries from Files in PostgreSQL by DuckDB

Hydra has initiated data processing advancements through the development of the pg_duckdb extension that embeds DuckDB within PostgreSQL itself. This enables direct querying of data files in formats like parquet or CSV from storage repositories such as S3, R2, or Google Cloud Storage.

While DuckDB can already execute queries using SQL, there are certain distinctions from PostgreSQL. Integrating data for querying within PostgreSQL allows developers to utilize existing queries. The extension strives to leverage DuckDB queries first and fallback to PostgreSQL queries if necessary, aiming to support all data types that PostgreSQL accommodates.

Previously, ParadeDB introduced a similar extension called pg_lakehouse. However, pg_lakehouse operates under the limitations of the AGPL license, whereas pg_duckdb has collaborative efforts from DuckDB Labs, MotherDuck cloud service provider, Neon cloud PostgreSQL service provider, and Microsoft developers specializing in PostgreSQL. The project falls directly under the umbrella of DuckDB.

TLDR: Hydra’s data processing development includes the pg_duckdb extension, integrating DuckDB into PostgreSQL for direct querying of various data file formats, with a focus on collaboration and compatibility within the data processing ecosystem.