MariaDB is a mysql based product like the Percona stuff right? I assume most users would switch to MySQL proper.

Postgres is often a better choice, but not an easy one for shops already in the mysql world.

Dang! I am glad it is so good. I loved the original, but was worried the reviews would be, “not enough new innovation”. Very glad they didn’t fall in that trap.

I wish they where less common, but it does seem like a good idea to do some challenges before interviewing especially for low to mid level jobs. There are a number of good sources. I like “Project Euler”. a lot of the popular options like hackerrank or codesignal are very gamified. Go for it if that is your thing, but i find scores and points feel very dehumanizing for me.