From barwick@gmx.net Mon Jun 8 11:40:40 2026 Received: from localhost (postgresql.org [64.49.215.8]) by postgresql.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 09AC04753A1 for ; Sat, 12 Oct 2002 23:42:58 -0400 (EDT) Received: from post.webmailer.de (natwar.webmailer.de [192.67.198.70]) by postgresql.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id BDEC74758BD for ; Sat, 12 Oct 2002 23:42:56 -0400 (EDT) Received: from ianb.local (pD9E0E25C.dip.t-dialin.net [217.224.226.92]) by post.webmailer.de (8.9.3/8.8.7) with ESMTP id FAA21868 for ; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 05:42:59 +0200 (MEST) From: Ian Barwick To: pgsql-docs@postgresql.org Subject: Minor FAQ correction suggestions Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 05:44:34 +0200 X-Mailer: KMail [version 1.4] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: Multipart/Mixed; boundary="------------Boundary-00=_AEIWN3BA47MY5I4DQRVU" Message-Id: <200210130544.34553.barwick@gmx.net> X-Virus-Scanned: by AMaViS new-20020517 X-Archive-Number: 200210/7 X-Sequence-Number: 1501 --------------Boundary-00=_AEIWN3BA47MY5I4DQRVU Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I'm reworking the German version of the FAQ (which is hopelessly outdated), in the course of which I've come across a few errors in the original (English) version, mainly minor things like spelling mistakes and broken links. Patch with suggested corrections attached (German version will=20 follow ASAP). General alterations: Some links corrected; links to the domain "postgresql.org" now uniformly=20 written as "PostgreSQL.org". Minor tidying up of formatting. Some specific notes / questions on the following sections: 1.4) What non-Unix ports are available? -> win31.mak should be win32.mak Added: "A native port to some Microsoft platforms is currently being worked upon." -> IIRC this is the case. Please correct if not. 1.8) What documentation is available? The link http://www.PostgreSQL.org/books/ is broken, http://www.ca.PostgreSQL.org/books/ works. (It would be more logical to fix the link rather than the FAQ I think, though). 3.9) What are the pg_sorttempNNN.NN files in my database directory? -> presume this should read "What are the pg_tempNNN.NN files..." ?? 4.4) How do you remove a column from a table? -> ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN supported as of 7.3 :-)=20 4.15.2) How do I get the value of a SERIAL insert? -> Perl is a very versatile language, but this: new_id =3D output of "SELECT nextval('person_id_seq')" INSERT INTO person (id, name) VALUES (new_id, 'Blaise Pascal'); is most definitely not Perl ;-). I have made up a pseudo-language for the example. 4.16) What is an OID? What is a TID? -> backend/access/transam.h should be include/access/transam.h=20 4.17) What is the meaning of some of the terms used in PostgreSQL? -> The link http://www.comptechnews.com/~reaster/dbdesign.html is broken (the domain doesn't seem to exist). Suggest: http://hea-www.harvard.edu/MST/simul/software/docs/pkgs/pgsql/glossary/glos= sary.html as replacement. 4.25) How do I return multiple rows or columns from a function? -> Linked to current rather than developer documentation Regards Ian Barwick barwick@gmx.net --------------Boundary-00=_AEIWN3BA47MY5I4DQRVU Content-Type: text/x-diff; charset="us-ascii"; name="FAQ.html.diff" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="FAQ.html.diff" Index: doc/src/FAQ/FAQ.html =================================================================== RCS file: /projects/cvsroot/pgsql-server/doc/src/FAQ/FAQ.html,v retrieving revision 1.158 diff -r1.158 FAQ.html 25c25 < "http://www.Postgresql.org/docs/faq-english.html">http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs/faq-english.html.

--- > "http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs/faq-english.html">http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs/faq-english.html.

32,33c32 < 1.1) What is PostgreSQL? How is it < pronounced?
--- > 1.1) What is PostgreSQL? How is it pronounced?
164c163 <

1.1) What is PostgreSQL?

--- >

1.1) What is PostgreSQL? How is it pronounced?

175c174 <

PostgreSQL development is performed by a team of Internet --- >

PostgreSQL development is performed by a team of 179,180c178,179 < below on how to join). This team is now responsible for all < development of PostgreSQL.

--- > section 1.6 on how to join). This team is now > responsible for all development of PostgreSQL.

242,243c241,242 < other interfaces and binaries to run on MS Windows platforms. In < this case, the client is running on MS Windows, and communicates --- > other interfaces and client applications to run on MS Windows platforms. > In this case, the client is running on MS Windows, and communicates 245c244 < platforms. A file win31.mak is included in the distribution --- > platforms. A file win32.mak is included in the distribution 253,256c252,256 < pgsql/doc/FAQ_MSWIN in the distribution or the MS Windows FAQ < on our web site. We have no plan to do a native port to any < Microsoft platform.

--- > pgsql/doc/FAQ_MSWIN in the distribution or the MS Windows FAQ > at http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs/faq-mswin.html.

> >

A native port to some Microsoft platforms is currently being worked > upon.

321c321 < "http://www.postgresql.org/users-lounge/commercial-support.html">http://www.postgresql.org/users-lounge/commercial-support.html.

--- > "http://www.PostgreSQL.org/users-lounge/commercial-support.html">http://www.PostgreSQL.org/users-lounge/commercial-support.html.

342c342 < "http://www.postgresql.org/books/">http://www.postgresql.org/books/. --- > "http://www.ca.PostgreSQL.org/books/">http://www.ca.PostgreSQL.org/books/. 345c345 < "http://techdocs.postgresql.org/">http://techdocs.postgresql.org/.

--- > "http://techdocs.PostgreSQL.org/">http://techdocs.PostgreSQL.org/.

405,408c405,408 <

Please visit the PostgreSQL BugTool < page, which gives guidelines and directions on how to submit a < bug.

--- >

Please visit the PostgreSQL BugTool page at "http://www.PostgreSQL.org/bugs/bugs.php">http://www.PostgreSQL.org/bugs/bugs.php, > which gives guidelines and directions on how to submit a > bug report.

463,464c463,464 <
Our mailing list provides a large group of developers and < users to help resolve any problems encountered. While we can not --- >
Our mailing lists provide contact with a large group of developers > and users to help resolve any problems encountered. While we cannot 470c470 < (See support FAQ item.)
--- > (See FAQ section 1.6.)
487c487 < six years ago. This is all thanks to Marc Fournier, who has created --- > in 1994. This is all thanks to Marc Fournier, who has created 497,499c497 < this effort, please go to < https://store.pgsql.com/shopping/index.php?id=1 --- > this effort, please go to http://store.pgsql.com/shopping/ 541,543d538 <

There is also one at http://www.phone.net/home/mwm/hotlist/.

< 547c542 <

For complex cases, many use the Perl interface and CGI.pm.

--- >

For complex cases, many use the Perl interface and CGI.pm or mod_perl.

553,556c548,550 <

We have a nice graphical user interface called pgaccess, < which is shipped as part of the distribution. pgaccess also < has a report generator. The Web page is http://www.flex.ro/pgaccess

--- >

We have a nice graphical user interface called PgAccess, which is > shipped as part of the distribution. PgAccess also has a report > generator. The Web page is http://www.pgaccess.org/.

561,562c555 <

2.4) What languages are available to < communicate with PostgreSQL?

--- >

2.4) What languages are able to communicate with PostgreSQL?

575c568 <
  • Perl (perl5)
    • --- >
  • Perl (DBD::Pg)
    • 585,586c578 <
  • Embedded HTML (PHP from http://www.php.net)
    • --- >
  • PHP ('pg_' functions, Pear::DB)
    • 588,590c580,581 <

    Additional interfaces are available at < http://www.postgresql.org/interfaces.html. --- >

    Additional interfaces are available at > http://www.PostgreSQL.org/interfaces.html. 777c768 <

    3.9) What are the pg_sorttempNNN.NN --- >

    3.9) What are the pg_tempNNN.NN 796,800c787,791 < However, major releases often change the internal format of system < tables and data files. These changes are often complex, so we don't < maintain backward compatability for data files. A dump outputs data < in a generic format that can then be loaded in using the new internal < format. --- > However, major releases (e.g. from 7.2 to 7.3) often change the internal > format of system tables and data files. These changes are often complex, > so we don't maintain backward compatability for data files. A dump outputs > data in a generic format that can then be loaded in using the new internal > format.

    802c793 <

    In releases where the on-disk format does not change, the --- >

    In releases where the on-disk format does not change, the 805c796 < release. --- > release.

    824c815 < the first few rows. Consider a query that has an ORDER --- > the first few rows. Consider using a query that has an ORDER 843,844c834,835 <

    We do not support ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN, but do < this:

    --- >

    Prior to version 7.3, ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN is not supported. > You can do this instead:

    895c886 < 24 bytes: one int field and one text filed --- > 24 bytes: one int field and one text field 960c951 < LIMIT 1 --- > LIMIT 1; 975,978c966,969 <
  • Case-insensitive searches like ILIKE and < ~* can not be used. Instead, use functional < indexes, which are described later in this FAQ.
    • <
  • The default C local must be used during --- >
  • Case-insensitive searches such as ILIKE and > ~* do not utilise indexes. Instead, use functional > indexes, which are described in section 4.12.
    • >
  • The default C locale must be used during 1035c1026 < WHERE lower(col) = 'abc' --- > WHERE LOWER(col) = 'abc'; 1041c1032 < CREATE INDEX tabindex on tab (lower(col)); --- > CREATE INDEX tabindex ON tab (LOWER(col)); 1056,1057c1047,1048 < CHAR(#) bpchar blank padded to the specified fixed length < VARCHAR(#) varchar size specifies maximum length, no padding --- > CHAR(n) bpchar blank padded to the specified fixed length > VARCHAR(n) varchar size specifies maximum length, no padding 1072,1073c1063,1064 <

    CHAR() is best when storing strings that are < usually the same length. VARCHAR() is best when --- >

    CHAR(n) is best when storing strings that are > usually the same length. VARCHAR(n) is best when 1114,1115c1105,1106 < example table in 4.15.1, that might look like < this in Perl:

    --- > example table in 4.15.1, an example in a > pseudo-language would look like this:

    1117,1118c1108,1109 < new_id = output of "SELECT nextval('person_id_seq')" < INSERT INTO person (id, name) VALUES (new_id, 'Blaise Pascal'); --- > new_id = execute("SELECT nextval('person_id_seq')"); > execute("INSERT INTO person (id, name) VALUES (new_id, 'Blaise Pascal')"); 1127c1118 < and your SERIAL column, respectively. --- > and your SERIAL column, respectively. 1133,1134c1124,1125 < INSERT INTO person (name) VALUES ('Blaise Pascal'); < new_id = output of "SELECT currval('person_id_seq')"; --- > execute("INSERT INTO person (name) VALUES ('Blaise Pascal')"); > new_id = execute("SELECT currval('person_id_seq')"); 1142c1133 < $sth->execute(). --- > $sth->execute(). 1147c1138 <

    No. Currval() returns the current value assigned by your --- >

    No. currval() returns the current value assigned by your 1166c1157 < backend/access/transam.h). All user-created --- > include/access/transam.h). All user-created 1188a1180 > 1193,1194d1184 < < 1231c1221 < "http://www.comptechnews.com/~reaster/dbdesign.html">http://www.comptechnews.com/~reaster/dbdesign.html

    --- > "http://hea-www.harvard.edu/MST/simul/software/docs/pkgs/pgsql/glossary/glossary.html">http://hea-www.harvard.edu/MST/simul/software/docs/pkgs/pgsql/glossary/glossary.html

    1250c1240 < client. --- > client. 1255c1245 <

    From psql, type select version();

    --- >

    From psql, type SELECT version();

    1291,1292c1281 < 
    < SELECT *
---
> 
        SELECT *
1294,1295c1283
<     WHERE col IN (SELECT subcol FROM subtab)
< 
---
>     WHERE col IN (SELECT subcol FROM subtab);
1297,1299c1285,1286
<     to: 
< 
    < SELECT *
---
>     to:
> 
        SELECT *
1301,1302c1288
<     WHERE EXISTS (SELECT subcol FROM subtab WHERE subcol = col)
< 
---
>     WHERE EXISTS (SELECT subcol FROM subtab WHERE subcol = col);
1306c1292
<     We hope to fix this limitation in a future release. 
---
>     We hope to fix this limitation in a future release.
1365,1366c1351,1352
<     "http://developer.postgresql.org/docs/postgres/plpgsql-cursors.html">
<     http://developer.postgresql.org/docs/postgres/plpgsql-cursors.html,
---
>     "http://www.PostgreSQL.org/idocs/index.php?plpgsql-cursors.html">
>     http://www.PostgreSQL.org/idocs/index.php?plpgsql-cursors.html,
1384,1385c1370,1371
<     href="http://gborg.postgresql.org/genpage?replication_research">
<     http://gborg.postgresql.org/genpage?replication_research lists
---
>     href="http://gborg.PostgreSQL.org/genpage?replication_research">
>     http://gborg.PostgreSQL.org/genpage?replication_research lists
1387,1388c1373
<     href="http://gborg.postgresql.org/project/pgreplication/projdisplay.
<     php">http://gborg.postgresql.org/project/pgreplication/projdisplay.php.
    
---
>     href="http://gborg.PostgreSQL.org/project/pgreplication/projdisplay.php">http://gborg.PostgreSQL.org/project/pgreplication/projdisplay.php.
    
1390c1375
<     
    4.27) What encryption options are available?
---
>     
    4.28) What encryption options are available?
1398,1399c1383,1384
<     in version 7.3. In previous versions, you must enable
<     password_encryption in postgresql.conf.
    • --- > in version 7.3. In previous versions, you must enable the option > PASSWORD_ENCRYPTION in postgresql.conf. --------------Boundary-00=_AEIWN3BA47MY5I4DQRVU-- From barwick@gmx.net Mon Jun 8 11:40:40 2026 Received: from localhost (postgresql.org [64.49.215.8]) by postgresql.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id DF8AB475FBF for ; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 06:55:30 -0400 (EDT) Received: from post.webmailer.de (natpost.webmailer.de [192.67.198.65]) by postgresql.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id B509E475D3F for ; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 06:55:28 -0400 (EDT) Received: from ianb.local (pD9E0E25C.dip.t-dialin.net [217.224.226.92]) by post.webmailer.de (8.9.3/8.8.7) with ESMTP id MAA13915 for ; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 12:55:28 +0200 (MET DST) From: Ian Barwick To: pgsql-docs@postgresql.org Subject: Re: Minor FAQ correction suggestions, context diff Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 12:57:02 +0200 X-Mailer: KMail [version 1.4] References: <200210130544.34553.barwick@gmx.net> In-Reply-To: <200210130544.34553.barwick@gmx.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: Multipart/Mixed; boundary="------------Boundary-00=_2F2X8I92HK9EADDCJC07" Message-Id: <200210131257.02811.barwick@gmx.net> X-Virus-Scanned: by AMaViS new-20020517 X-Archive-Number: 200210/8 X-Sequence-Number: 1502 --------------Boundary-00=_2F2X8I92HK9EADDCJC07 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On Sunday 13 October 2002 05:44, Ian Barwick wrote: > Patch with suggested corrections attached This time as context diff... Regards Ian Barwick barwick@gmx.net --------------Boundary-00=_2F2X8I92HK9EADDCJC07 Content-Type: application/x-gzip; name="FAQ.html.patch.gz" Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="FAQ.html.patch.gz" H4sICFVQqT0AA0ZBUS5odG1sLnBhdGNoAOxc6XfbRpL/PP4rOsq+keQBQfES KUVmhpJomzO6LMnryZud59cEmiQiEA3jEMX9sH/7VlV34yAhS46P2E74EosH UF3Hr6urqqsxClxxt89c6dTjyKk/H7zC/+1ZMvefPPv415PLoys28Xyxz+ph JH8VThLXnds4kjKph9P4nV+LRXQronoVB9btk0gkkSduvWDKIvgTezJgDbvR 6T1xvcmE1RxWi+gzy9h++vRppTx/ae7sNOuNnXqjwRrd/U5nv9H9i6JVq9Ue uKXFGjv7nZ39ZgfpF180XrNptXYZfWQM/sPXwUX/eibYXMYJ8O6IIGEgKEkg JyyZeTGOmc7xB4cHbCzYrScWwmU8YQcDTWUWicmzJz/Q+41ZkoT79fpisbAv gOw0EqBBW0ZTVF9cn/B3NRFMfS+eEfsb/fUbrl6d3H/DQX3Qtw/qF/2SFBc+ TyYymtfiUDjexHPYu1TECQgSMx4JxoN4ISLDt+aY3cexYSAFw8c1X6bBVGTc PMj2/XcVeSfGX14WxXjZZNz3psGzDbSEiDb6L0QgIu6zV0aYg/rLZl+r2six 8SMgZKMP/yD9bfZmBkKC5XK2fmYv5QK/8hJ9LwA9AAYd4f58cHhp+CmRbCLJ ZplkAmBxZLiMvOksYYCSwhj30WkhnVaBzuvAu2OhNhgCTBR5ZVEaaDIyUEQR 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0jJSVI1tUiTFveciBbOhURs+nNaNnJvDG8yB4UotdJM8xlWaj4MavMRUAJqs OjT4qKEsGbswCZS6oUp+Yp+T+CTPCLJjsq9tjHGrhhwL9LwEMSyxh5x8oTi9 herlwpWVhYQPKcNe5dy1XyFXnne+BlczOp0JBU1hZT04Ne9kfJdaWUGe6K7e Iegu97Dj+6TJpHHWBU2Rnr/o7cX74fDT+eWHq9PByeXni9HZ+YCRWFYEz1Kc v+iLzd+/dcW4Y+6GAAA= --------------Boundary-00=_2F2X8I92HK9EADDCJC07-- From pgman@candle.pha.pa.us Mon Jun 8 11:40:40 2026 Received: from localhost (postgresql.org [64.49.215.8]) by postgresql.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id F327F475FF1 for ; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 23:15:10 -0400 (EDT) Received: from candle.pha.pa.us (momjian.navpoint.com [207.106.42.251]) by postgresql.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 19F0F475EBC for ; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 23:15:07 -0400 (EDT) Received: (from pgman@localhost) by candle.pha.pa.us (8.11.6/8.10.1) id g9E3F2p26080; Sun, 13 Oct 2002 23:15:02 -0400 (EDT) From: Bruce Momjian Message-Id: <200210140315.g9E3F2p26080@candle.pha.pa.us> Subject: Re: Minor FAQ correction suggestions In-Reply-To: <200210130544.34553.barwick@gmx.net> To: Ian Barwick Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 23:15:02 -0400 (EDT) Cc: pgsql-docs@postgresql.org X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4ME+ PL99 (25)] MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary=ELM1034565302-16133-0_ Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Virus-Scanned: by AMaViS new-20020517 X-Archive-Number: 200210/9 X-Sequence-Number: 1503 --ELM1034565302-16133-0_ Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Very nice. I applied the entire patch; it was all good. I made a few updates after applying your patch; patch attached. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ian Barwick wrote: > > I'm reworking the German version of the FAQ (which is > hopelessly outdated), in the course of which I've come across > a few errors in the original (English) version, > mainly minor things like spelling mistakes and broken links. > Patch with suggested corrections attached (German version will > follow ASAP). > > General alterations: > > Some links corrected; links to the domain "postgresql.org" now uniformly > written as "PostgreSQL.org". Minor tidying up of formatting. > > Some specific notes / questions on the following sections: > > 1.4) What non-Unix ports are available? > > -> win31.mak should be win32.mak > > Added: > "A native port to some Microsoft platforms is currently being worked > upon." > -> IIRC this is the case. Please correct if not. > > 1.8) What documentation is available? > The link http://www.PostgreSQL.org/books/ is broken, > http://www.ca.PostgreSQL.org/books/ works. (It would be more > logical to fix the link rather than the FAQ I think, though). > > 3.9) What are the pg_sorttempNNN.NN files in my database directory? > > -> presume this should read "What are the pg_tempNNN.NN files..." ?? > > 4.4) How do you remove a column from a table? > -> ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN supported as of 7.3 :-) > > 4.15.2) How do I get the value of a SERIAL insert? > > -> Perl is a very versatile language, but this: > > new_id = output of "SELECT nextval('person_id_seq')" > INSERT INTO person (id, name) VALUES (new_id, 'Blaise Pascal'); > > is most definitely not Perl ;-). I have made up a pseudo-language for the > example. > > 4.16) What is an OID? What is a TID? > -> backend/access/transam.h should be include/access/transam.h > > 4.17) What is the meaning of some of the terms used in PostgreSQL? > > -> The link http://www.comptechnews.com/~reaster/dbdesign.html is broken > (the domain doesn't seem to exist). Suggest: > http://hea-www.harvard.edu/MST/simul/software/docs/pkgs/pgsql/glossary/glossary.html > as replacement. > > 4.25) How do I return multiple rows or columns from a function? > > -> Linked to current rather than developer documentation > > > Regards > > Ian Barwick > barwick@gmx.net [ Attachment, skipping... ] > > ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- > TIP 5: Have you checked our extensive FAQ? > > http://www.postgresql.org/users-lounge/docs/faq.html -- Bruce Momjian | http://candle.pha.pa.us pgman@candle.pha.pa.us | (610) 359-1001 + If your life is a hard drive, | 13 Roberts Road + Christ can be your backup. | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073 --ELM1034565302-16133-0_ Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain Content-Disposition: inline; filename="/bjm/diff" Index: doc/src/FAQ/FAQ.html =================================================================== RCS file: /cvsroot/pgsql-server/doc/src/FAQ/FAQ.html,v retrieving revision 1.159 diff -c -c -r1.159 FAQ.html *** doc/src/FAQ/FAQ.html 14 Oct 2002 02:50:28 -0000 1.159 --- doc/src/FAQ/FAQ.html 14 Oct 2002 03:13:27 -0000 *************** *** 78,85 **** 3.7) What debugging features are available?
    3.8) Why do I get "Sorry, too many clients" when trying to connect?
    ! 3.9) What are the pg_sorttempNNN.NN ! files in my database directory?
    3.10) Why do I need to do a dump and restore to upgrade PostgreSQL releases?
    --- 78,85 ---- 3.7) What debugging features are available?
    3.8) Why do I get "Sorry, too many clients" when trying to connect?
    ! 3.9) What is in the pgsql_tmp ! directory?
    3.10) Why do I need to do a dump and restore to upgrade PostgreSQL releases?
    *************** *** 250,259 ****

    The database server can run on Windows NT and Win2k using Cygwin, the Cygnus Unix/NT porting library. See pgsql/doc/FAQ_MSWIN in the distribution or the MS Windows FAQ ! at http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs/faq-mswin.html.

    !

    A native port to some Microsoft platforms is currently being worked ! upon.

    1.5) Where can I get PostgreSQL?

    --- 250,260 ----

    The database server can run on Windows NT and Win2k using Cygwin, the Cygnus Unix/NT porting library. See pgsql/doc/FAQ_MSWIN in the distribution or the MS Windows FAQ ! at ! http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs/faq-mswin.html.

    !

    A native port to MS Win NT/2000/XP is currently being worked ! on.

    1.5) Where can I get PostgreSQL?

    *************** *** 484,490 **** PostgreSQL?

    PostgreSQL has had a first-class infrastructure since we started ! in 1994. This is all thanks to Marc Fournier, who has created and managed this infrastructure over the years.

    Quality infrastructure is very important to an open-source --- 485,491 ---- PostgreSQL?

    PostgreSQL has had a first-class infrastructure since we started ! in 1996. This is all thanks to Marc Fournier, who has created and managed this infrastructure over the years.

    Quality infrastructure is very important to an open-source *************** *** 545,553 **** interface? A report generator? An embedded query language interface? !

    We have a nice graphical user interface called PgAccess, which is ! shipped as part of the distribution. PgAccess also has a report ! generator. The Web page is http://www.pgaccess.org/.

    We also include ecpg, which is an embedded SQL query language interface for C.

    --- 546,554 ---- interface? A report generator? An embedded query language interface? !

    We have a nice graphical user interface called PgAccess which can ! also be used as a report generator. The Web page is ! http://www.pgaccess.org/.

    We also include ecpg, which is an embedded SQL query language interface for C.

    *************** *** 565,571 ****
  • Java (jdbc)
    • !
  • Perl (DBD::Pg)
  • ODBC (odbc)
    • --- 566,572 ----
  • Java (jdbc)
    • !
  • Perl (DBD::Pg and perl5)
  • ODBC (odbc)
    • *************** *** 578,584 ****
  • PHP ('pg_' functions, Pear::DB)

    • Additional interfaces are available at ! http://www.PostgreSQL.org/interfaces.html.

    --- 579,587 ----
  • PHP ('pg_' functions, Pear::DB)

    • Additional interfaces are available at ! http://www.PostgreSQL.org/interfaces.html ! and ! http://gborg.PostgreSQL.org.

    *************** *** 765,772 **** the MaxBackendId constant in include/storage/sinvaladt.h.

    !

    3.9) What are the pg_tempNNN.NN ! files in my database directory?

    They are temporary files generated by the query executor. For example, if a sort needs to be done to satisfy an ORDER --- 768,775 ---- the MaxBackendId constant in include/storage/sinvaladt.h.

    !

    3.9) What are the pgsql_tmp ! directory?

    They are temporary files generated by the query executor. For example, if a sort needs to be done to satisfy an ORDER *************** *** 774,783 **** -S parameter allows, then temporary files are created to hold the extra data.

    !

    The temporary files should be deleted automatically, but might ! not if a backend crashes during a sort. If you have no backends ! running at the time, it is safe to delete the pg_tempNNN.NN ! files.

    3.10) Why do I need to do a dump and restore to upgrade between major PostgreSQL releases?

    --- 777,785 ---- -S parameter allows, then temporary files are created to hold the extra data.

    !

    The temporary files are usually deleted automatically, but might ! remain if a backend crashes during a sort. A stop and restart of the ! postmaster will remove files from those directories.

    3.10) Why do I need to do a dump and restore to upgrade between major PostgreSQL releases?

    *************** *** 790,799 **** data in a generic format that can then be loaded in using the new internal format.

    !

    In releases where the on-disk format does not change, the ! pg_upgrade script can be used to upgrade without a dump/restore. ! The release notes mention whether pg_upgrade is available for the ! release.

    --- 792,801 ---- data in a generic format that can then be loaded in using the new internal format.

    !

    In releases where the on-disk format does not change, the ! pg_upgrade script can be used to upgrade without a dump/restore. ! The release notes mention whether pg_upgrade is available for the ! release.

    *************** *** 831,838 ****

    4.4) How do you remove a column from a table?

    !

    Prior to version 7.3, ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN is not supported. ! You can do this instead:

          BEGIN;
      LOCK TABLE old_table;
--- 833,841 ----
      
    4.4) How do you remove a column from a
      table?
    
  
!     
    This functionality was added in release 7.3 with
!     ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN.  In earlier versions,
!     you can do this:
    
  
          BEGIN;
      LOCK TABLE old_table;
***************
*** 1023,1035 ****
  
          SELECT *
      FROM tab
!     WHERE LOWER(col) = 'abc';
  
    
  
      This will not use an standard index. However, if you create a
      functional index, it will be used: 
  
    !     CREATE INDEX tabindex ON tab (LOWER(col));
  
    
  
      
    4.13) In a query, how do I detect if a field
--- 1026,1038 ----
  
          SELECT *
      FROM tab
!     WHERE lower(col) = 'abc';
  
    
  
      This will not use an standard index. However, if you create a
      functional index, it will be used: 
  
    !     CREATE INDEX tabindex ON tab (lower(col));
  
    
  
      
    4.13) In a query, how do I detect if a field
***************
*** 1118,1124 ****
      and your SERIAL column, respectively.
  
      
    Alternatively, you could retrieve the assigned
!     SERIAL value with the currval() function
      after it was inserted by default, e.g.,
    
  
          execute("INSERT INTO person (name) VALUES ('Blaise Pascal')");
--- 1121,1127 ----
      and your SERIAL column, respectively.
  
      
    Alternatively, you could retrieve the assigned
!     SERIAL value with the currval() function
      after it was inserted by default, e.g.,
    
  
          execute("INSERT INTO person (name) VALUES ('Blaise Pascal')");
***************
*** 1135,1141 ****
      
    4.15.3) Don't currval() and
      nextval() lead to a race condition with other users?
    
  
!     
    No. currval() returns the current value assigned by your
      backend, not by all users.
    
  
      
    4.15.4) Why aren't my sequence numbers
--- 1138,1144 ----
      
    4.15.3) Don't currval() and
      nextval() lead to a race condition with other users?
    
  
!     
    No. currval() returns the current value assigned by your
      backend, not by all users.
    
  
      
    4.15.4) Why aren't my sequence numbers

--ELM1034565302-16133-0_--



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From: Bruce Momjian 
Message-Id: <200210140315.g9E3FWV26157@candle.pha.pa.us>
Subject: Re: Minor FAQ correction suggestions
In-Reply-To: <200210130544.34553.barwick@gmx.net>
To: Ian Barwick 
Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 23:15:32 -0400 (EDT)
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Thanks for working on this.  It really needed that freshening up.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ian Barwick wrote:
> 
> I'm reworking the German version of the FAQ (which is
> hopelessly outdated), in the course of which I've come across
> a few errors in the original (English) version,
> mainly minor things like spelling mistakes and broken links.
> Patch with suggested corrections attached (German version will 
> follow ASAP).
> 
> General alterations:
> 
> Some links corrected; links to the domain "postgresql.org" now uniformly 
> written as "PostgreSQL.org". Minor tidying up of formatting.
> 
> Some specific notes / questions on the following sections:
> 
> 1.4) What non-Unix ports are available?
> 
> -> win31.mak should be win32.mak
> 
> Added:
>   "A native port to some Microsoft platforms is currently being worked
>    upon."
> -> IIRC this is the case. Please correct if not.
> 
> 1.8) What documentation is available?
> The link http://www.PostgreSQL.org/books/ is broken,
> http://www.ca.PostgreSQL.org/books/ works. (It would be more
> logical to fix the link rather than the FAQ I think, though).
> 
> 3.9) What are the pg_sorttempNNN.NN files in my database directory?
> 
> -> presume this should read "What are the pg_tempNNN.NN files..." ??
> 
>  4.4) How do you remove a column from a table?
> -> ALTER TABLE DROP COLUMN supported as of 7.3 :-) 
> 
> 4.15.2) How do I get the value of a SERIAL insert?
> 
> -> Perl is a very versatile language, but this:
> 
>     new_id = output of "SELECT nextval('person_id_seq')"
>     INSERT INTO person (id, name) VALUES (new_id, 'Blaise Pascal');
> 
> is most definitely not Perl ;-). I have made up a pseudo-language for the
> example.
> 
> 4.16) What is an OID? What is a TID?
> ->  backend/access/transam.h should be include/access/transam.h 
> 
> 4.17) What is the meaning of some of the terms used in PostgreSQL?
> 
> -> The link http://www.comptechnews.com/~reaster/dbdesign.html is broken
> (the domain doesn't seem to exist). Suggest:
> http://hea-www.harvard.edu/MST/simul/software/docs/pkgs/pgsql/glossary/glossary.html
> as replacement.
> 
> 4.25) How do I return multiple rows or columns from a function?
> 
> -> Linked to current rather than developer documentation
> 
> 
> Regards
> 
> Ian Barwick
> barwick@gmx.net

[ Attachment, skipping... ]

> 
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> 
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-- 
  Bruce Momjian                        |  http://candle.pha.pa.us
  pgman@candle.pha.pa.us               |  (610) 359-1001
  +  If your life is a hard drive,     |  13 Roberts Road
  +  Christ can be your backup.        |  Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073



From barwick@gmx.net Mon Jun  8 11:40:40 2026
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From: Ian Barwick 
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Subject: Re: German FAQ progress (was: Minor FAQ correction suggestions)
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On Monday 14 October 2002 05:15, Bruce Momjian wrote:
> Thanks for working on this.  It really needed that freshening up.

It's been saying "The current PostgreSQL version is 6.5" for over three
years...

I have completed a first draft, which was effectively a retranslation
of the current FAQ rather than an update of the translation. I still
have some tidying up to do, so I'll be submitting the patch nearer
the weekend.

A question: I presume the text-only version is generated from
the HTML original (I've taken care that the tags can be
stripped without damaging the format) - what tool do you use
to do this?

Regards

Ian Barwick
barwick@gmx.net




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Subject: Re: German FAQ progress (was: Minor FAQ correction suggestions)
In-Reply-To: <200210142043.22424.barwick@gmx.net>
To: Ian Barwick 
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Ian Barwick wrote:
> On Monday 14 October 2002 05:15, Bruce Momjian wrote:
> > Thanks for working on this.  It really needed that freshening up.
> 
> It's been saying "The current PostgreSQL version is 6.5" for over three
> years...
> 
> I have completed a first draft, which was effectively a retranslation
> of the current FAQ rather than an update of the translation. I still
> have some tidying up to do, so I'll be submitting the patch nearer
> the weekend.
> 
> A question: I presume the text-only version is generated from
> the HTML original (I've taken care that the tags can be
> stripped without damaging the format) - what tool do you use
> to do this?

Good question. I use lynx:

	lynx -force_html -dump -hiddenlinks=ignore -nolist "$@"

Seems to work the best.

-- 
  Bruce Momjian                        |  http://candle.pha.pa.us
  pgman@candle.pha.pa.us               |  (610) 359-1001
  +  If your life is a hard drive,     |  13 Roberts Road
  +  Christ can be your backup.        |  Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073