Counter Analytics in PostgreSQL: Beyond Simple Data Denormalization

Counter Analytics is a technique used to maintain pre-calculated counters for efficient read operations, especially in OLTP workloads. However, when dealing with time-series data and high-frequency updates, the conventional wisdom of denormalized counter approach needs reconsideration. TimescaleDB offers an alternative solution by leveraging its strengths such as automatic partitioning, parallel computation, and efficient storage management. By using continuous aggregates, it enables efficient counting and rich analytics capabilities while reducing lock contention and VACUUM overhead. This approach is more suitable for time-series workloads and requires a mindset shift from traditional OLTP patterns to time-series patterns.