Optimizing PostgreSQL Application Performance with Solaris Dynamic Tracing (login or registration required) is one of several Sun BluePrints articles that focus on optimizing Web 2.0 solutions. Author Robert Lor describes how Solaris DTrace functionality can help with PostgreSQL database application tuning. Specifically, the article includes examples showing aspects of PostgreSQL database server operation that can be observed using DTrace probes. The article assumes that the reader has a basic understanding of the Solaris OS, Solaris DTrace, the PostgreSQL database server and general database application development.

As the author points out, most applications use a relational database to persist data, so getting the best database performance is crucial to overall application performance. The PostgreSQL database has been one of the most popular open source databases in use today, especially for small to medium size companies, because of its robustness and scalability. Lor's paper describes techniques for PostgreSQL database application tuning, introducing related core best practices.

Topics include:

• “The Need for PostgreSQL Database Tuning,” which discusses the importance of evaluating database performance and introduces Solaris DTrace.

• “Identifying and Fixing Performance Problems,” which provides detailed examples of using Solaris DTrace probes to help analyze various aspects of PostgreSQL database application performance.

Lor observes that the power of PostgreSQL has made this open source database an increasingly popular choice for deploying Web 2.0 application services. When combined with an enterprise-class operating system such as Solaris 10, customers can use PostgreSQL to build applications that may not have been previously possible.

He adds that, because Web 2.0 applications require consistent performance and good responsiveness, PostgreSQL and the Solaris OS provide a solid platform that enables rapid development, fast performance and highly reliable and scalable operation. With improved observability using Solaris DTrace, developers and database administrators can optimize application performance and scalability with minimal effort. Simple DTrace scripts can become extremely powerful tools, allowing developers and administrators to debug even the most obscure and difficult-to-find performance problems.

The author concedes that his article covers only a fraction of the available probes in PostgreSQL. The complete list of probes can be found on the PostgreSQL Web site.

More Information

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PostgreSQL DTrace toolkit [...read more...]

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