An Introduction to SQLite
Why Hacker News recommends it
Recommended as a first-hand intro from SQLite's creator that also teaches how a database engine is built.
What it is
A 2006 Google TechTalk in which SQLite's author Richard Hipp introduces the embeddable, zero-configuration C database library. He covers its history, strengths and weaknesses, and where it beats client/server databases.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2011 to 2018.
What Hacker News said
Recommends simscitizen · 2016-10 · on “Ask HN: What's your favorite tech talk?”
"An Introduction to SQLite" by Richard Hipp (who wrote the library) is actually a pretty good intro on to how to build your own DB engine. [this video]
Cites hendler · 2011-04 · on “IndexedDB has much to learn from SQLite”
I've also worked with SQLite, and one project was the using the C API. It's also why I really liked Google Gears. Here's the Google Tech Talk on SQLite from 2006 [this video]
Cites dahart · 2018-08 · on “Ask HN: Codebase at my work is a complete mess, what should I do?”
First start writing automated tests, for example Selenium & unit tests. You'll learn what all the code does, you'll learn a new skill, you'll have a safety net of regression tests for rewriting the code, and you'll be adding value to the company. If you have good test coverage, you'll be able to rewrite the code very quickly. There are a ton of resources for how and why to do testing. One that stands out in my mind is SQLite. They've talked about being able to refactor the core of their engine in a weekend, only because they had the test coverage to know they did it right. [LINK] [LINK] [this video]