In the workshop titled "Build High Performance Active Record Apps," led by Andrew Atkinson at RailsConf 2024, participants are introduced to optimizing the use of Active Record in their applications. The session is divided into two main focuses: high performance queries and multi-database application design.

Key Points Discussed:

• High Performance Queries:

  • Emphasis on writing efficient queries that provide good visibility within Active Record code.
  • Utilization of various index types to reduce costs and enhance query performance.
  • Discussion of the query planner information to better understand the execution of Active Record queries.

• Multi-Database Application Design:

  • Introduction of a second database instance to manage more complex application needs.
  • Setting up replication between the two database instances to ensure data consistency and availability.
  • Configuration of Active Record to define writer and reader roles, enhancing performance by balancing the workload.
  • Implementation of automatic role switching to seamlessly manage database interactions based on the application’s requirements.

Conclusion:

• Attendees learn crucial skills for building high-performance applications by leveraging Active Record capabilities.
• The goal is to empower developers to use efficient queries and properly manage multiple databases, ultimately improving application robustness and scalability. This session equips participants with practical strategies and knowledge to elevate their Active Record applications to a higher level of performance.