MyDuck Server — Connect to your MySQL or Postgres database and get lightning-fast analytics with DuckDB.
Analyzed by Sai Pavan Gopularam · Database · Analytics · View on GitHub
- Stars: 590
- Forks: 44
- Commits last 30 days: 62
- Health: Active (62 commits this month)
- Language: Go
- License: Apache-2.0
What It Is
MyDuck Server acts like a high-performance analytical layer for your existing MySQL or PostgreSQL databases. It speaks the same language (MySQL and Postgres wire protocols) but routes your analytical queries to DuckDB, a database engine built specifically for fast data analysis.
This matters because traditional relational databases like MySQL and Postgres are optimized for transactional data (OLTP), not complex analytical queries (OLAP). MyDuck Server lets you run analytics up to 1000x faster without changing your primary database or building complex ETL pipelines, solving the common problem of slow reports and dashboards.
License Verdict
Apache 2.0 License — Build and Sell Freely — Commercial Use Approved • Permissive
The Apache 2.0 license is highly permissive. You can freely use, modify, distribute, and sell software incorporating MyDuck Server, even in commercial products. You must include the original copyright and license notice, and state any significant changes you make.
How to Use It
Get a MyDuck Server instance running locally in minutes using Docker. You can then connect to it using standard MySQL or PostgreSQL client tools.
Prerequisites:
- Docker
- MySQL CLI client
- PostgreSQL CLI client
Estimated setup time: 5 minutes.
docker run -p 13306:3306 -p 15432:5432 apecloud/myduckserver:latest
mysql -h127.0.0.1 -P13306 -uroot
psql -h 127.0.0.1 -p 15432 -U postgresWhat I'd Build With This
E-commerce Analytics Booster (micro-saas)
Offer a service for small e-commerce businesses (using MySQL/Postgres) that provides ultra-fast, pre-built analytical dashboards for sales trends, inventory, and customer behavior. Users connect their database, and MyDuck Server handles the heavy lifting, delivering insights without slowing down their live store. Charge a monthly subscription for access to these accelerated reports.
Effort: 1 Week Build Time · Target: Small E-commerce Store Owners · Pricing: $49/mo
Managed Analytical Replica Service (saas)
Build a cloud service that allows users to easily provision and manage MyDuck Server instances as analytical replicas for their existing MySQL or PostgreSQL databases. Provide a web UI for configuration, monitoring, and integration with popular BI tools. This service removes the operational burden of setting up and maintaining a high-performance analytical database.
Effort: 3 Months Build Time · Target: Mid-sized Tech Companies, Data Teams · Pricing: $199-$999/mo
HTAP Data Platform for Legacy Systems (enterprise)
Develop an enterprise solution for large organizations with critical MySQL/Postgres systems that need real-time analytics without impacting their transactional workloads. Package MyDuck Server with advanced HTAP routing (using tools like ProxySQL or PGPool-II) and offer professional services for integration, custom development, and 24/7 support. This targets companies struggling with slow analytics on their legacy infrastructure.
Effort: 6 Months+ Build Time · Target: Large Enterprises, IT Departments · Pricing: Custom Quote (High 5-6 Figures/Year)
Sai Pavan Gopularam's Take
This is a clever project that solves a common pain point: getting fast analytics from your existing MySQL or Postgres without complex ETL or migrating data. The ability to just 'plugin' DuckDB's speed via familiar protocols is powerful. I could see a managed service around this easily saving a mid-sized team $5,000/month in cloud analytics costs by avoiding dedicated OLAP databases.
Watch Out For
- MySQL CLI Compatibility on macOS: MySQL CLI clients version 9.0 and above are not yet supported on macOS. Users may need to install an older version, such as `mysql-client@8.4`, to connect via the MySQL protocol.
- PostgreSQL Logical Replication Setup: For replicating data from PostgreSQL, logical replication must be enabled on the primary database by setting `wal_level=logical`. This is a common configuration but requires administrative access to the PostgreSQL server.
- Not for High-Frequency OLTP Writes: While MyDuck Server supports transactional writes, it's optimized for analytical reads. It's not designed as a primary database for high-frequency Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) workloads, though it handles replication transaction batching efficiently.
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