Inlining (buttondown.com)

A recent discussion in the tech community highlighted the significance of "inlining" in SQL query optimization, reflecting concern over the cultural impact of large language models (LLMs) on programming practices. The post emphasizes that while the automation of what some perceive as "boring" tasks may seem beneficial, there's a growing anxiety about losing the nuanced understanding of programming and query planning in pursuit of efficiency. The author aims to maintain a more thoughtful approach to programming, urging others to appreciate the art of coding rather than merely focusing on productivity. Inlining is described as a powerful optimization technique that simplifies SQL queries by eliminating unnecessary components generated by object-relational mappers (ORMs) or query builders. The author presents examples illustrating how inlining can transform complex queries into more efficient ones, ultimately leading to better performance. However, they caution against naive inlining practices, as it may lead to exponential growth in the size of query plans, which can be problematic for database performance. The discussion raises important trade-offs in query optimization strategies, particularly among popular databases like PostgreSQL, SQLite, and DuckDB, challenging developers to balance the benefits of inlining with the risks of increased complexity.