Re: Postgresql Segfault in 8.1

Benjamin Smith <lists(at)benjamindsmith(dot)com> writes:
> What's the best way to do this? Take PG down (normally started as a service)
> and run directly in a single-user mode?

No, just start a psql session in one window, then in another window
determine the PID of the backend process it's connected to, and attach
gdb to that process. Something like

ps auxww | grep postgres:
... eyeball determination of correct PID ...
gdb /path/to/postgres-executable PID
gdb> continue

Now, in the psql window, do what's needed to provoke the crash. gdb
should trap at the instant of the segfault and give you another gdb>
prompt. Type "bt" to get the backtrace, then "q" to disconnect.

regards, tom lane