What is Patroni, really?

Patroni is widely known as a high-availability solution for PostgreSQL, but what really makes it tick? In this talk, we’ll explore its architecture, core principles, and the hacks that keep it running smoothly. As a co-maintainer with 2.5 years in the trenches, I’ll share insights into its internals, unexpected challenges, and design decisions—both brilliant and painful. We’ll also discuss why, despite new developments in PostgreSQL high availability, Patroni remains a crucial tool—and where it might be headed next. Whether you're a user, contributor, or just curious about high-availability magic, this session will give you a fresh look at Patroni beyond the documentation, explain what Patroni really is and why it is still a thing.