11 karma · joined July 15, 2020
Question on the embedding side: are you generating embeddings at INSERT time via triggers, or is there a batch sync step? The trigger approach gives you real-time search but adds write latency. Batch sync is friendlier for high-throughput tables but means search results can lag behind.
Also curious how you handle schema evolution — if someone adds a new text column they want searchable, does pgsemantic pick that up automatically or require a re-config?
One pattern I've seen work well alongside semantic search: pairing it with natural language → SQL translation (tools like ai2sql.io do this) so users can combine structured filters with vector similarity in a single query. Something like "find invoices from Q1 similar to 'billing dispute'" where the date filter is SQL and the similarity part is pgvector. That hybrid query pattern is where most real-world use cases end up.
One underrated use case: switching between .mode json and .mode csv lets you prototype data pipelines entirely inside the SQLite shell. You can validate query logic, check edge cases in formatting, and export in the right shape without writing a single line of application code.
The challenge for newcomers is discoverability. Most people learn about .mode column and .headers on from Stack Overflow answers, then never explore further. Having the full formatting reference documented in one place helps bridge that gap — especially for people coming from tools like ai2sql.io (disclosure: I work on this) where the focus is getting the query right first, and formatting the output is a separate step they often haven't thought about yet.
Just tested Claude's new Computer Use feature and had to share this simple but powerful test:
My Basic Prompt: "Please: 1. Search Amazon for 3 wireless earbuds: Find price Rating Brand name
2. Make a simple Excel file 'earbuds.xlsx': Put the information in a basic table Add colors to the headers Sort by price
3. Show me the results"
What blew my mind: - Claude actually looked at my screen - Moved the mouse by itself - Clicked buttons like a human - Created reports automatically
It's like having a virtual assistant that can really use your computer! No coding needed - just simple English instructions.
For those interested: https://mergisi.medium.com/8f56f683e307
You can check out the project here: https://github.com/mergisi/openai-o1-coded-personal-blog