Executable Is a SQLite Database (fzakaria.com)

Article summary

The article proposes replacing the ELF (Executable and Linkable Format) with SQLite as an executable format, allowing executables to be stored as SQLite databases. This approach, called SELF (Structured Executable & Linkable Format), uses SQLite's database structure to store program headers, symbol tables, and other metadata. The author claims that this format can simplify executable analysis and modification, and potentially improve performance. The article also explores the idea of packing multiple executables and their dependencies into a single SQLite database, creating a self-contained closure.

Main themes

• executable formats
• SQLite database
• SELF format
• binary analysis
• dependency management
• performance optimization
• database-based executables
• portable applications

What commenters say

• Some commenters think the idea of using SQLite as an executable format is interesting and worth exploring, while others are skeptical about its practicality.
• The lack of memory mapping in the proposed format could lead to increased RAM usage and inefficient swapping.
• The idea of storing executables and their dependencies in a single database has been explored before in other contexts, such as mainframes and certain programming languages.
• Some commenters believe that the concept of a self-modifying executable stored in a database could be useful for certain applications, such as creating a self-contained, portable application environment.
• Others argue that the approach may not be suitable for all use cases, particularly those that require high performance or low latency.
• There are differing opinions on whether the proposed format is an improvement over existing formats, with some seeing it as a step forward and others as a reinvention of existing solutions.