Managed Database or Run It Yourself?
Should you run PostgreSQL on your own instances or use a managed database service? What do you still own either way?
Practical scenario
A team runs a managed PostgreSQL with default settings, has never opened the backup configuration, and describes the database as "fully managed, so backups are handled". Retention is at the default and nothing has ever been restored.
What it tests
Answer it out loud first. The guide below stays closed until you ask for it, on purpose.
- Whether the candidate can enumerate what managed actually removes
- Whether they know the responsibility boundary moves rather than disappearing
- Whether they can name a legitimate reason to self-host
Reading a strong answer is not the same as producing one. Commit to what you would say, then compare.