Concepts·PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL Settings and Contexts
`pg_settings.context` answers the question every configuration change starts with: does this need a restart, a reload, or nothing at all. PostgreSQL tells you before you try.
Configuration Guide 12 of 47 Intermediate
- OSUbuntu 26.04 LTS (resolute)
- PostgreSQL18.6-0ubuntu0.26.04.1
- PackagingDebian cluster layout
- TimeAbout 13 min
- Reviewed27 August 2026
Written against the versions above. The context values are stable across versions. `postmaster` means the main server process, which is PostgreSQL's own name for what systemd starts.
| 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 working psql connection.
-
Read five settings and what each one needs
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See how the whole settings catalogue divides up