Neon introduces a novel approach to Postgres databases by viewing them as transaction journals rather than static data storage systems, using the Write-Ahead Log (WAL) as a core component. This transaction-centric model decouples storage and computation, enabling advanced functionalities such as database branching, instant point-in-time recovery, ephemeral read replicas, and time travel queries. By leveraging WAL, Neon allows developers to create database branches without duplicating data, perform quick data restorations, and execute queries on historical states for auditing and debugging. The architecture reorganizes data into immutable files in object storage, which, along with stateless compute nodes, enhances flexibility and efficiency. This innovative use of WAL transforms the developer experience by enabling agile and safe data modification and storage, offering new possibilities for building with Postgres.