SQLite as a Viable Alternative for Durable Workflow Execution
By
tomasol
A respectable bake. You'd come back tomorrow for another.
Summary
The article argues that SQLite can replace complex orchestration systems for durable workflow execution in many cases. It builds on DBOS's argument that Postgres is sufficient for durable execution, pushing the idea further by suggesting SQLite works for a large class of systems. The key insight is that durability is needed for workflow state, not compute infrastructure—compute can remain cheap and disposable. The article positions this as a natural fit for Obelisk, where workflow progress lives in SQLite.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledFor a large class of durable systems, SQLite is all you need.
Durable execution is often discussed as if it requires durable infrastructure. In many cases it does not.
The durable part is the workflow state. The compute can stay cheap and disposable.
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