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Saved February 14, 2026
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DuckDB now allows users to interact with Iceberg REST Catalogs directly from their browser without any setup. This functionality leverages a WebAssembly version of DuckDB, enabling serverless querying of Iceberg data. Users can run SQL commands and access their data securely through familiar interfaces.
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DuckDB has launched a browser-based interface for Iceberg REST Catalogs, enabling users to read and write tables directly from their browsers without needing any infrastructure setup. This is a significant shift, as it allows for seamless interaction with Iceberg tables stored in object storage like AWS S3. The article outlines two primary interaction models with Iceberg catalogs: the client-server model, where operations are managed on a server, and the client-is-the-server model, which allows users to run queries locally by installing DuckDB.
The new browser capability leverages DuckDB-Wasm, a WebAssembly version of DuckDB that can execute in any browser. This setup eliminates the need for local installations while still providing full SQL functionality. Key changes to the DuckDB codebase facilitated this transition, including redesigning HTTP interactions and implementing a uniform networking interface. This means users can now perform calculations using the familiar SQL syntax, with computations happening entirely within the browser, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure.
The article also highlights that users can access their own data by configuring their S3 bucket with the appropriate permissions. The system sends only necessary credentials to the Iceberg catalog endpoint, maintaining local data processing. A demo showcased at AWS re:Invent 2025 illustrates how DuckDB can effectively query S3 Tables from a browser, marking a notable advancement in serverless analytics.
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