PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Architecture

Scalable Databases

Data modeling, query analysis and migration planning informed by the application’s access patterns and recovery needs.

  • PostgreSQL
  • MongoDB
  • Redis
  • Elasticsearch
  • AWS RDS

01 / The scope

What we
can build.

Schema Design

Normalized relational schemas and document models optimized for your access patterns.

Query Optimization

Query-plan analysis, index tradeoffs and caching decisions based on the measured workload.

High Availability

Replication, failover and backup plans with explicit recovery objectives and test conditions.

02 / The approach

Built with
intention.

Model the Data Around Its Use

I work on database schemas, query behavior, migrations and recovery planning. The right design begins with the operations the application performs and the consistency it needs.

A relational model may suit connected transactional records. Document storage, caching and search systems can serve other access patterns, but each adds a boundary to operate and keep consistent.

Investigate Before Adding Infrastructure

Start with representative queries, realistic data volumes and the current execution plans. An index has storage and write costs; more indexes are not automatically better.

In PostgreSQL, EXPLAIN describes the plan, while EXPLAIN ANALYZE executes the statement and reports observed behavior. Sequential scans can be the correct choice for a query. The task is to understand the plan and workload, not eliminate every sequential scan. PostgreSQL’s EXPLAIN guide explains the distinction.

Plan Changes and Recovery

A migration needs compatibility rules, validation, a cutover plan and an explicit response to failure. Some changes can be staged online; others need a maintenance window. The plan should follow the actual database and workload.

Read replicas can support suitable read workloads, but replication lag and failover behavior matter. Backups become useful recovery evidence when restore procedures are exercised and their limits are recorded.

We agree on recovery objectives and test conditions rather than describe every system as zero-downtime or zero-data-loss.

Possible Deliverables

A scoped engagement can include a documented schema, migration scripts, query and index recommendations, connection configuration, backup and restore procedures, and monitoring notes. Infrastructure code and cost analysis may be included when the project needs them.

Useful starting information includes the database engine, important queries, data shape, growth pattern and operational constraints. Credentials and live customer data should be shared only through an agreed secure process.

03 / How it connects

Database Architecture

Illustrative architecture for discussing scope. Components and deployment choices depend on the application’s requirements.

  • inputApplication
  • serviceConnection Pool
  • storagePrimary DB
  • storageRead Replicas
  • storageRedis Cache
  • storageElasticsearch
  • storageBackup Storage
  • outputMonitoring
  • ApplicationRedis CacheCache Hit
  • ApplicationConnection PoolQuery
  • Connection PoolPrimary DBWrite
  • Connection PoolRead ReplicasRead
  • Primary DBRead ReplicasReplicate
  • Primary DBBackup StorageSnapshot
  • ApplicationElasticsearchSearch
  • Primary DBMonitoringMetrics

04 / The process

From brief
to release.

  1. 01

    Data Modeling

    Analyzing data relationships and designing optimal schemas.

  2. 02

    Infrastructure Setup

    Provisioning managed databases with proper networking and security.

  3. 03

    Migration & Import

    Staged migrations with compatibility checks, validation and a rollback or recovery plan.

  4. 04

    Optimization & Monitoring

    Query tuning, alerting, and ongoing performance management.

05 / The handover

What you
take away.

Database Schema

Documented schema with ERD diagrams and migration scripts

Index Strategy

Optimized indexes based on query patterns and explain plans

Replication Setup

Primary-replica configuration with automatic failover

Backup Strategy

Automated backups with tested restore procedures

Monitoring Dashboard

Real-time metrics, slow query logs, and alerting

IaC Codebase

Terraform/AWS CDK repositories with documentation

CI/CD Pipelines

Fully configured GitHub Actions or Jenkins workflows

Configuration Review

Review of the agreed IAM, network and encryption configuration; certification is outside this service description.

Cost Analysis Report

Rightsizing recommendations and savings forecast

Disaster Recovery Plan

Backup strategies and failover documentation

In practice

Related work.