HQbird: Advanced FirebirdSQL for Big Databases

BLOB revolution in new HQbird 2024 R2 Update 2

HQbird 2024R2u2 Introduces Breakthrough BLOB Network Performance

In the latest HQbird release (2024R2u2, version 5.0.3), significant improvements have been made to BLOB data transfer across high-latency networks like the Internet.

This optimization dramatically improves BLOB transfer speeds, bringing them on par with VARCHAR data. However, to leverage this enhancement, both server and client components must be updated to the newest version.

The performance breakthrough enables efficient cloud hosting of Firebird databases while maintaining full compatibility with traditional client applications. This advancement opens exciting new possibilities for cloud-based Firebird deployments, making remote database access substantially more practical for real-world applications.

Article: Transferring BLOBs over the wire in Firebird

To explore these new features in depth, D. Simonov—author of the official Firebird documentation (Language Reference and Developer Guide) and the free book "Detailed New Features of Firebird 5"—has written a comprehensive article titled "Transferring BLOBs over the wire in Firebird." (also available in PDF)

Open-source tool: FB-BLOB-TEST

What Is New in HQbird 2024R2u2

• Optimized support for BLOB transfers through high-latency networks (Internet)
• BLOB transfer speeds now match VARCHAR performance
• Requires both server and client to be updated to the newest version
• Enables efficient cloud hosting of Firebird databases with traditional client access

Windows Installer Improvements

• Added ability to specify instance names for FB servers (configured via command line parameters, stored in registry for updates and uninstallation)

Performance Report Enhancements

• Read detailed example of Performance analysis 
• View video

Command Line and Interface Updates

• Added helptrace hint
• Web interface display changes
• Added FB port display from DG settings in server widget

Database Management Improvements

• Added ability to block all tasks for selected VIP databases
• Added group task for transaction marker analysis
• Added group backup task
• Added filtering capabilities for VIP databases in group tasks
• Added inclusion/exclusion management for overlapping VIP databases in group processing

Replication Management

• Initial implementation of group database information collection for replication status monitoring
• Added JSON report output for replica status from web interface
• Improved daily notification text/content
• Added display of unpacking/delivery activity for incoming segments in group replicas

System Improvements

• Added FB version detection from service manager startup parameter -z during first cold start
• Fixed compatibility issues with backup/restore/replace tasks
• Added registration procedure checks
• Fixed bug with zero-length unlock file
• Updated configuration version number
• VIP database limit moved to config parameter vipdb.def=21
• Increased stored segment files from 10 to 500
• Highlighted "Ask your database administrator" error in replication log as separate class

Auto-Update and Configuration

• Improved auto-update procedure (added new directories/files, changed logging)

Enhanced replication configuration

• Added support for non-unique keys
• Added mixed (sync-async) masters with sync_replica parameters
• Added comment lines in optional replication parameters

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