PGSimCity - How PostgreSQL Works • Hacker News Board

Curtis_Guan wrote: post #6

Understanding how scheduling works inside a database used to require numerous architecture diagrams to explain. I was amazed when I saw PGSimCity — it presents such a complex technical implementation process in such an engaging way. Since it's already open‑source, I think the same idea can be reused in other domains, such as cloud computing, Kubernetes, and so on.

I've always wanted to do an explainer of the deployment system and state-tracking at Fly.io using Factorio as a visual metaphor.

Re: PGSimCity - How PostgreSQL Works

#16

Post by smhaziq » Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 2:03 AM UTC

skreem wrote: post #4

This is really cool, I like having visualization to hold on my head! Also (assuming this is LLM-generated, apologies if it’s not) seems like the future of learning/self-teaching… gonna try and generate similar things for stuff I’m learning

it is in the commit 'Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5 (1M context) '

Re: PGSimCity - How PostgreSQL Works

#17

Post by arjie » Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 2:06 AM UTC

I can't believe "Rendering The First Frame..." is not "Reticulating Splines..." :)

Cool UI.

Re: PGSimCity - How PostgreSQL Works

#18

Post by gregsadetsky » Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 2:12 AM UTC

Great work! When zooming out a bit, I'm somewhat sure that the 'blinking'/glitching is due to z-fighting. Just something you may want to look into (ie move 3d surfaces so that they're not at the exact same z)

Re: PGSimCity - How PostgreSQL Works

#19

Post by dostick » Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 2:14 AM UTC

It surely is impressive,but it’s just that - components of db service as buildings/machine. What it needs is narrative, purpose, with main actors clearly defined - client and data. demonstrating what is involved in the chain when data’s written and requested.

Re: PGSimCity - How PostgreSQL Works

#20

Post by num42 » Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 2:22 AM UTC

Really great work! I've always wanted to build a CPU simulator(Full PC simulator) in this style. I still haven't fully figured out my own approach, but this will definitely be an inspiration for me. Thanks for making and sharing it.