bits & pages

the mathematics of compression in database systems

why compression is (almost) always worthwhile

Feb 9 • almog gavra

understanding LSM trees via read, write, and space amplification

how LSM trees work and why they can be optimized for almost any workload

Jan 21 • almog gavra

sorted string tables (SST) from first principles

why sorted string tables are the swiss army knife for data systems and how they are implemented

Jan 5 • almog gavra

frameworks for understanding databases

building mental models for tradeoffs in performance, availability and durability in data systems

Dec 8, 2025 • almog gavra

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