Microsoft open-sources pg_durable for Postgres
Microsoft has open-sourced pg_durable, a Rust-based PostgreSQL extension that enables durable, in-database execution of long-running workflows. Built using the pgrx framework and Duroxide, it automatically checkpoints workflow progress so they can resume after database crashes or restarts without external orchestrators.
Bringing durable workflow execution directly into PostgreSQL is a compelling way to simplify backend architectures by eliminating external coordinators like Temporal or message queues. However, running complex, long-lived orchestration loops inside the main transaction processor could lead to database resource contention and CPU starvation under heavy workloads.
* Rust-Powered Core: Leveraging pgrx and Rust enables safe and high-performance execution of background workers within PostgreSQL.
* Crash Resilience: Automatic checkpointing to PostgreSQL tables ensures workflows survive server restarts without manual intervention.
* Streamlined AI Pipelines: Underpins Azure HorizonDB's native capability to chunk, embed, and process AI data directly via SQL.
* Operational Trade-offs: Database administrators must carefully monitor and manage resources, as workflow retries and state management could impact standard transaction latency.
DISCOVERED
1h ago
2026-06-07
PUBLISHED
1h ago
2026-06-07
RELEVANCE