Re: How to configure pgsql in such a way that it is always recoverable?

RP Khare <passionate_programmer(at)hotmail(dot)com> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I migrated a MySQL database to pgsql 9.0.1. I have never used pgsql before and
> therefore want to learn all the possible ways to keep the database up and

Welcome.

> running. Following are my queries:
>
>
> 1. If pgsql service fails to start or due to any reason pgsql database is not
> connecting, how to restart the service. Where to check for errors?

Depends on your operating system. Usually

/etc/init.d/postgresql start

You can see any errors in your logfile. Where is the logfile? Right,
depends on your OS and configuration.

> 2. Imagine a scenario where there is no backup of the database and all I have

That's bad ...

> is the present installation. I want to move my existing database to another
> PC where a fresh installation of pgsql awaits. Which are those files that
> need to be moved and how to attach these files on the other installation?

You can use psql (the CLI for PostgreSQL), within:

test=*# show data_directory;
data_directory
------------------------------
/var/lib/postgresql/8.4/main

You need ALL the files below. You need also the same version of PG!
But that's the wrong way, the right way is a regular backup. See below!

> 3. I want to enable all types of Redo logs like things and all types of backup
> options. I also want to take automatic scheduled backups. How to do this?

Read the documentation, there are a chapter about backup and restore.
There are several ways, pg_dump, pg_dumpall (with diffent options) and
PITR (point in time recovery). Too much to explain all here...

Btw.: we don't have a 'repair' - command for tables. It's a feature, not
a bug ...

Andreas
--
Really, I'm not out to destroy Microsoft. That will just be a completely
unintentional side effect. (Linus Torvalds)
"If I was god, I would recompile penguin with --enable-fly." (unknown)
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