How to Use pg_stat_monitor: A Query Performance Monitoring Tool for PostgreSQL

Apr 16, 2024 | Data Science

Are you tired of the murky waters of query performance monitoring in PostgreSQL? Say hello to pg_stat_monitor, an innovative tool that provides deeper insights into query performance with a single glance. In this guide, we will breakdown how to install and set up pg_stat_monitor to enhance your PostgreSQL experience.

Overview

pg_stat_monitor serves as a sophisticated replacement for pg_stat_statements, aggregating and presenting query performance data more effectively. Instead of drowning in heaps of raw data, this tool presents statistics in manageable time-based units, giving you the clarity you need to optimize your queries.

Supported Versions

This monitoring tool supports PostgreSQL version 11 and above, working seamlessly with both Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL and PostgreSQL Global Development Group (PGDG).

Installation Guidelines

Installing pg_stat_monitor can be done through various means. Choose the method that suits your needs:

Installing from Percona Repositories

1. First, install the percona-release repository management tool based on your OS.

2. Enable Percona repository:

sh percona-release setup ppg-XX

3. Install pg_stat_monitor package:

  • For Debian/Ubuntu:
  • sh apt-get install percona-pg-stat-monitor17
  • For RHEL/CentOS:
  • sh yum install percona-pg-stat-monitor17

Setting Up and Configuration

After installation, time to get your hands dirty with configuration!

To enable pg_stat_monitor:

ALTER SYSTEM SET shared_preload_libraries = 'pg_stat_monitor';

For PostgreSQL 13 and earlier versions, you must also include pg_stat_statements:

ALTER SYSTEM SET shared_preload_libraries = 'pg_stat_statements, pg_stat_monitor';

Restart your PostgreSQL instance:

  • For Debian/Ubuntu:
  • sh sudo systemctl restart postgresql.service
  • For Red Hat/CentOS:
  • sh sudo systemctl restart postgresql-17

Using pg_stat_monitor

Once pg_stat_monitor is installed and configured, you can start monitoring by creating the extension:

CREATE EXTENSION pg_stat_monitor;

Now, you can query performance data with:

SELECT application_name, userid AS user_name, datname AS database_name, substr(query, 0, 50) AS query, calls, client_ip FROM pg_stat_monitor;

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while using pg_stat_monitor, here are some common troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure that your PostgreSQL is compatible with pg_stat_monitor (version 11+).
  • Check if any modifications in shared_preload_libraries are correctly applied and PostgreSQL has been restarted.
  • Review the configuration settings in pg_settings to ensure they are properly set.

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Conclusion

pg_stat_monitor provides a detailed, holistic view of PostgreSQL queries, simplifying performance monitoring. By utilizing this tool, you can measure query execution effectively, leading to enhanced database performance and an overall improved user experience.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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