What is pg_basebackup? pg_basebackup is a tool included with PostgreSQL that is used to take a base backup of a PostgreSQL database cluster. This tool creates a binary copy of the database files, ensuring a quick and consistent backup process. It is designed to be used for creating a backup of a running PostgreSQL database …
What is pg_standby? pg_standby is a utility that comes with PostgreSQL, designed for creating and managing a warm standby database server. A warm standby server is a backup system that is kept up-to-date with the primary server’s data changes and can be quickly promoted to a primary server in case of a failure, making it …
Introduction to pg_waldump pg_waldump is a diagnostic tool that comes with PostgreSQL, designed to display the contents of Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) files. WAL is a fundamental component of PostgreSQL that ensures data integrity by recording changes to the database before they are actually written to disk. By using pg_waldump, developers, DBAs, and system administrators can …
What is pg_isready? pg_isready is a command-line utility included with PostgreSQL that checks the connection status of a PostgreSQL database server. It is particularly useful for automation scripts and health checks to verify if the PostgreSQL server is up and ready to accept connections. The utility returns an exit status code that reflects the result …
What is pg_prewarm? pg_prewarm is a PostgreSQL module that allows you to load relation data into the PostgreSQL shared buffer cache or the operating system’s buffer cache before it is needed. This can be particularly useful after a database restart, as it helps to avoid the performance penalties typically associated with “cold” caches, where the …
What is pg_standby? pg_standby is a command-line utility included with PostgreSQL that supports the creation of a warm standby server. It is used as a restore_command to manage the restoration of Write-Ahead Logs (WAL) from a backup during recovery or when setting up a standby server. This utility allows a PostgreSQL server to remain in …
What is pg_waldump? pg_waldump is a command-line utility included with PostgreSQL that allows you to display the contents of Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) files in a human-readable format. WAL is a fundamental component of PostgreSQL’s architecture, providing data durability and supporting features like replication and point-in-time recovery. The pg_waldump utility is useful for inspecting WAL files …
The ‘PostgreSQL out of memory’ error is a common issue that database administrators encounter when using PostgreSQL. This error indicates that the PostgreSQL service is unable to allocate the necessary amount of memory to execute a query or transaction. The reasons for this can vary from inefficient query design, insufficient system resources, to unexpected surges …
Optimising PostgreSQL performance is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and speed of your database operations. This relational database system, known for its robustness and flexibility, can handle a variety of workloads, from single machines to data warehouses or Web services with many concurrent users. However, as with any sophisticated system, PostgreSQL requires careful tuning to …
Maintaining the performance and efficiency of PostgreSQL databases is paramount, and regular vacuuming is at the heart of this process. Vacuuming is an operation aimed at reclaiming storage space occupied by data that is no longer needed—commonly known as ‘dead tuples’, which result from rows being updated or deleted. Ensuring that your PostgreSQL database is …