Hands-on Lab·PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL Reload, Restart and pending_restart
Change `shared_buffers`, reload, and the value does not move - but `pending_restart` flips to `t`. The server is telling you it has accepted the change and is waiting for a restart to apply it.
Configuration Guide 14 of 47 Intermediate
- OSUbuntu 26.04 LTS (resolute)
- PostgreSQL18.6-0ubuntu0.26.04.1
- PackagingDebian cluster layout
- TimeAbout 14 min
- Reviewed27 August 2026
Written against the versions above. `pending_restart` has been in `pg_settings` since 9.5. It is one of the most useful columns in the view and one of the least known.
| Server Name | IP Address | OS | Roles | CPU | RAM | HDD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| db-a01 | 192.168.0.81 | Ubuntu 26.04 LTS | Primary / Source / Replica Set Member 1 | 2 Core | 4 GB | 50 GB |
Before you start
- A superuser connection, and a cluster you can restart.
-
Stage a change that a reload cannot apply
-
Restart, and watch it apply