tldr

Date: 2026-03-08 Source: https://arpitbhayani.me/blogs/defensive-databases

There is an implicit contract at the foundation of every database architecture decision you have ever made. You probably never wrote it down.

There is an implicit contract at the foundation of every database architecture decision you have ever made.
Assumption - Deterministic Caller: In every application you have deployed before agents, the queries hitting your database were authored by a human.
Assumption - Writes are Intentional: The most dangerous assumption in database architecture is that every write was reviewed by a human before it happened.
Assumption - Connections are Brief: Traditional connection pool sizing follows a straightforward mental model.
Assumption - Bad Queries Fail Loudly: In a human-operated system, a slow or incorrect query surfaces quickly.

Date: 2026-03-08 Source: https://arpitbhayani.me/blogs/defensive-databases

There is an implicit contract at the foundation of every database architecture decision you have ever made. You probably never wrote it down.

There is an implicit contract at the foundation of every database architecture decision you have ever made.
Assumption - Deterministic Caller: In every application you have deployed before agents, the queries hitting your database were authored by a human.
Assumption - Writes are Intentional: The most dangerous assumption in database architecture is that every write was reviewed by a human before it happened.
Assumption - Connections are Brief: Traditional connection pool sizing follows a straightforward mental model.
Assumption - Bad Queries Fail Loudly: In a human-operated system, a slow or incorrect query surfaces quickly.