Lobsters community RSS and the author's original post · Published 2026-08-24
SELF: an executable file that SQL can inspect
With LLM help, the author revisits an old idea: one file that can run and expose its structure to SQL. SELF connects artifact inspection to database queries in a prototype.
One file, two operations
Farid Zakaria presents SELF, a prototype that represents an executable as a SQLite database, allowing it to run and its structures, such as dependencies, to be queried with SQL.
The author’s earlier sqlelf allowed SQL queries over ELF. SELF goes further by changing the executable’s own organization. The two approaches have different goals and implementation stages.
From research idea to prototype
It reframes binary inspection as database queries. The author revisited an older idea with LLM assistance, documenting AI’s role in development.
This is the author’s prototype and design account. BitShovel has not replicated execution or performance; it does not establish a mature general replacement for ELF or market demand.
Important additions and corrections
Dates below mark changes to our coverage.
- Addition ·
Distinguished sqlelf from SELF and removed ranking language and unsupported demand claims.
Sources and notes
sources中文
Sources and notes
- Read the originalLobsters community RSS and the author's original post
Sources and evidence · 2 links
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Source timeline
- · Entered the BitShovel radar: 25 entries visible on Lobsters at collection, a 13-minute read.
Collection record
First discovered:
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Editorial record
Corrected
· Beijing time (UTC+8)
Distinguished sqlelf from SELF and removed ranking language and unsupported demand claims.
Sources and full record
This dates our review of the wording and sources, not a project release or product update.
Full record: before, after and sources (JSON)