Chapter 2. Server Configuration and Control

In this chapter, we will cover the following:

• Starting the database server manually
• Stopping the server quickly
• Stopping the server in an emergency
• Reloading server configuration
• Restarting the database server quickly
• Tuning connection-related parameters
• Tuning query-planning parameters
• Tuning logging-related parameters

Introduction

This chapter basically deals with the server architecture and server control. Initially, we will discuss the different options available to start and stop the PostgreSQL server. As an administrator, one should be aware of the different methods available in order to use the appropriate option in emergency situations or during maintenance operations. We then move onto discussing different server parameters and the tuning aspects related to them. Some important server parameters that help improve the overall server throughput and performance are discussed here from an optimization perspective.