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
- PostgreSQL18.6-0ubuntu0.26.04.1
- TimeAbout 13 min
The context values are stable across versions. postmaster means the main server process, which is PostgreSQL's own name for what systemd starts.
- PackagingDebian cluster layout
| 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 |
This guide includes
Use this before changing any setting at all. This matters because pg_settings.context answers the first question every configuration change starts with - reload, restart, or not possible.
- reading five settings, and what each one requires to take effect
- grouping the whole catalogue by context, to see its shape
- knowing before you edit whether a change needs a reload, a restart, or cannot be made
Before you start
- A working psql connection.
-
Read five settings and what each one needs
-
See how the whole settings catalogue divides up