Bridging Elixir and Python with Oban
Hacker News
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bridging the gap between Elixir and Python applications has never been simpler with Oban, a powerful tool that enables seamless communication through a shared PostgreSQL database. When your Elixir app requires functionality that’s more mature or readily available in Python—such as machine learning models, PDF rendering libraries, or audio/video editing tools—Oban provides an efficient solution by exchanging durable jobs between the two languages. This integration allows teams to collaborate across different ecosystems, gradually migrate from one language to another, or leverage packages lacking in one ecosystem while maintaining a transparent workflow.
At its core, Oban stores job information in a shared oban_jobs table, where each row contains job arguments in JSON format and metadata like queue name and worker destination. This setup ensures compatibility between Elixir and Python, with each side managing its own cluster leadership independently. For instance, in the Badge Forge example, an Elixir function enqueues jobs destined for a Python worker, which processes badge generation using WeasyPrint. The job is stored in the badges queue, where the Python worker awaits and executes it, generating PDFs and enqueuing subsequent tasks for printing.
The significance of this integration lies in its ability to break down silos between development teams and ecosystems. By sharing a common database, Oban eliminates the need for complex API gateways or message brokers, simplifying cross-language communication. Real-time PubSub notifications through PostgreSQL further enhance coordination, enabling real-time updates and ensuring smooth job processing. This approach not only streamlines workflows but also empowers developers to harness the strengths of both Elixir and Python, fostering innovation and flexibility in their projects.
For tech enthusiasts and teams exploring cross-language integration or gradual language migration, Oban offers a lightweight yet robust solution. Its compatibility with various use cases—from machine learning to PDF generation—makes it an indispensable tool for bridging ecosystems and unlocking new possibilities in application development. By leveraging Oban, developers can seamlessly connect Elixir and Python applications, ensuring efficient task exchange and enhancing collaboration across teams.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/19/2026