PostgreSQL Configuration Guide
This guide covers the essential configuration settings for PostgreSQL to optimize performance and security.
Table of Contents
- Configuration Files
- Memory Settings
- Connection Settings
- Write-Ahead Log (WAL)
- Query Planning
- Logging
- Autovacuum
Configuration Files
Main Configuration File
Location: postgresql.conf
- Linux: /etc/postgresql/<version>/main/postgresql.conf
- macOS: /usr/local/var/postgres/postgresql.conf
- Windows: C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\<version>\data\postgresql.conf
Client Authentication
Location: pg_hba.conf
- Contains client authentication rules
- Controls which hosts can connect to which databases
Memory Settings
Shared Buffers
- Main memory area for caching data - Affects query performance - Too large can cause memory pressureWork Memory
- Used for sorting operations and hash tables - Per-operation setting - Adjust based on concurrent operationsMaintenance Work Memory
- Used for VACUUM, CREATE INDEX, etc. - Larger values speed up maintenance operationsEffective Cache Size
- Helps query planner make better decisions - Should be set to about 75% of system RAMConnection Settings
Max Connections
- Each connection consumes memory - Adjust based on application needs - Consider connection pooling for high concurrencyConnection Timeout
- Prevents long-running queries - Helps manage resource usageWrite-Ahead Log (WAL)
WAL Level
Options: -minimal
: Basic crash recovery
- replica
: Supports replication
- logical
: Supports logical replication
Checkpoint Settings
- Controls how often checkpoints occur - Affects recovery time and I/O loadQuery Planning
Random Page Cost
- Lower for SSD storage - Higher for HDD storage - Affects query plan choicesCPU Cost Parameters
Logging
Basic Logging
Query Logging
Autovacuum
Basic Settings
Table-Specific Settings
Best Practices
- Start Conservative
- Begin with default settings
- Monitor performance
-
Adjust gradually
-
Regular Monitoring
- Use
pg_stat_statements
- Monitor system resources
-
Check query performance
-
Security First
- Restrict network access
- Use strong passwords
-
Regular security audits
-
Backup Configuration
- Keep configuration backups
- Document changes
-
Test changes in staging
- Monitoring and Maintenance
- Security Best Practices