YugabyteDB is a distributed SQL database that uses a tiered compaction strategy to minimize disk write (IO) amplification. The database's testing process involves various categories of tests, including unit tests, end-to-end functional tests, and performance tests, which are run on multiple compilers and build targets. YugabyteDB does not require an external load balancer for users who use the YCQL API, but it is recommended for those using the YSQL API. The database has recently released new documentation, blogs, tutorials, and videos, including a design guide for change data capture and two-data-center architecture, as well as a recap of this year's Distributed SQL Summit. YugabyteDB is continuously improving its testing and delivery pipeline to ensure fast development while maintaining reliability, robustness, and performance.