Book Image

Developing Modern Database Applications with PostgreSQL

By : Dr. Quan Ha Le, Marcelo Diaz
Book Image

Developing Modern Database Applications with PostgreSQL

By: Dr. Quan Ha Le, Marcelo Diaz

Overview of this book

PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database management system (DBMS) that provides enterprise-level services, including high performance and scalability. This book is a collection of unique projects providing you with a wealth of information relating to administering, monitoring, and testing PostgreSQL. The focus of each project is on both the development and the administrative aspects of PostgreSQL. Starting by exploring development aspects such as database design and its implementation, you’ll then cover PostgreSQL administration by understanding PostgreSQL architecture, PostgreSQL performance, and high-availability clusters. Various PostgreSQL projects are explained through current technologies such as DevOps and cloud platforms using programming languages like Python and Node.js. Later, you’ll get to grips with the well-known database API tool, PostgREST, before learning how to use popular PostgreSQL database testing frameworks. The book is also packed with essential tips and tricks and common patterns for working seamlessly in a production environment. All the chapters will be explained with the help of a real-world case study on a small banking application for managing ATM locations in a city. By the end of this DBMS book, you’ll be proficient in building reliable database solutions as per your organization's needs.
Table of Contents (17 chapters)
1
Section 1 - Introducing PostgreSQL Development and Administration
3
Section 2 - Development in PostgreSQL
9
Section 3 - Administration in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL autovacuum

PostgreSQL includes the VACUUM statement, which reclaims waste storage using dead tuples inside the database. This is because when we delete tuples, they are not physically removed from their table until a vacuum is called. So, on frequently updated tables, we need to perform VACUUM periodically.

The PostgreSQL autovacuum launcher is an optional daemon. By default, it is enabled inside the PostgreSQL configuration using the autovacuum = on parameter. Therefore, unless you turn it off, the autovacuum launcher will wake up every autovacuum_naptime seconds. 

Whenever the autovacuum occurs, by default, every 1 minute, it invokes multiple processes. The number of concurrent vacuum processes is defined by the autovacuum_worker parameter value inside the PostgreSQL configuration file. The vacuum work does not lock on any tables, hence it does not interrupt other database tasks.