Skip to main content

Introduction

Welcome to DazzleDuck SQL Server​

GitHub Repo

DazzleDuck SQL Server is a high‑performance remote server for DuckDB that enables clients to execute analytical SQL queries over the network using modern, columnar data protocols.

Instead of embedding DuckDB directly inside every application, DazzleDuck exposes DuckDB as a shared, multi‑client service, supporting both:

  • Apache Arrow Flight SQL (gRPC) for high‑throughput analytics
  • Versioned RESTful HTTP APIs for simple and universal access

DazzleDuck focuses on connectivity, scalability, and interoperability while delegating query planning and execution to DuckDB’s proven analytical engine.

What Problems Does DazzleDuck Solve?​

DuckDB is extremely fast and lightweight, but it is traditionally embedded and single‑process. DazzleDuck SQL Server fills the gap by providing:

  • Remote access to DuckDB from multiple clients
  • Standardized protocols (Flight SQL, HTTP) instead of custom drivers
  • Arrow‑native data transfer for zero‑copy analytics
  • Operational features like authentication, logs, metrics, and health checks

This makes DazzleDuck ideal for:

  • Sharing DuckDB across teams and tools
  • Powering BI tools and notebooks remotely
  • Building lightweight analytical services and data platforms

Core Capabilities​

Dual Protocol Access​

  • Arrow Flight SQL (gRPC) Designed for high‑performance analytical workloads. Compatible with JDBC and ADBC clients (Python, R, BI tools).

  • RESTful HTTP API (/v1) Simple and flexible API for executing queries, ingesting data, generating query plans, and accessing the UI.

Arrow‑Native Data Transfer​

All query results and ingestion payloads use Apache Arrow formats. This ensures:

  • Minimal serialization overhead
  • Efficient transfer of large result sets
  • Direct interoperability with DuckDB, Pandas, Spark, and other Arrow‑enabled systems

Security & Operations​

  • JWT authentication for HTTP APIs
  • Health checks for orchestration and monitoring
  • Micrometer metrics for observability
  • Docker‑first deployment for easy operations

How DazzleDuck Fits Into the Ecosystem​

DazzleDuck does not replace DuckDB — it extends it.

  • DuckDB handles SQL parsing, optimization, and execution
  • DazzleDuck handles network access, protocols, security, and multi‑client coordination

Together, they form a lightweight remote analytics stack that combines DuckDB’s performance with modern data connectivity.

Get Started​

Start using DazzleDuck in minutes:

  • Quick Start — Run the server using Docker and execute your first query
  • HTTP API — Query DuckDB remotely over REST
  • Arrow Flight SQL — Connect using JDBC or ADBC drivers
  • UI Dashboard — Monitor server activity and health

Continue with the Quick Start Guide to launch your first DazzleDuck SQL Server instance.

Fast analytics. Open protocols. DuckDB everywhere.