SRA OSS Unveils Comprehensive Report on PostgreSQL 18 Features

SRA OSS Publishes In-Depth Verification Report for PostgreSQL 18

SRA OSS, based in Toshima, Tokyo, has announced the release of a comprehensive verification report concerning the upcoming PostgreSQL 18, set to launch in the autumn of 2025. This report, accessible for free on the SRA OSS Tech Blog, evaluates the new functionalities of PostgreSQL 18, which is renowned for being a robust open-source relational database management system developed and maintained by a global community of developers.

PostgreSQL has become a popular choice for mission-critical systems in various industries due to its powerful capabilities and performance. SRA OSS has played a significant role in PostgreSQL's development, with two active committers and five contributors on its team, all of whom have directly influenced the enhancements in PostgreSQL 18.

The verification report, spanning 87 detailed pages, has been crafted primarily by the database technology team and targets two distinct groups: those looking to gain comprehensive insights into the new features and practitioners wanting to perform operational verifications. The report outlines command-level instructions for implementing these new functionalities, acting as a practical guide for database administrators and developers alike.

Key New Features in PostgreSQL 18

Some of the highlights from the verification report include:

Performance Enhancements

- Asynchronous I/O: Significantly improves the efficiency of input/output operations.
- Btree Index Skipping Scan: Optimizes query performance by reducing unnecessary index accesses.
- Parallel Creation of GIN Indexes: Accelerates indexing processes, making it more scalable.
- Improved Lock Handling: Enhancements during large table accesses contribute to overall database stability and performance.

Major Version Upgrades

- Migrating Planner Statistics: New methods for transferring existing statistical data seamlessly.
- Parallel Check Processing Options: Provides additional flexibility in managing database operations.
- New `--swap` Option: Facilitates more dynamic configurations during operations.

SQL Enhancements

- Addition of Virtual Generated Columns: Allows greater functionality in database schema design.
- Introduction of UUID v7 Functions: Adds new features for unique identifier generation.

Security Improvements

- TLS v1.3 Cipher Suite Support: Strengthens the encryption and security protocols of PostgreSQL.

Operational Management Features

- Dump/Restore of Planner Statistics: Introduces robust methods for database health monitoring and maintenance.
- Enhanced EXPLAIN Commands: Provides deeper insights into query performance.
- Tracking I/O and WAL Usage by Connection: Allows granular monitoring of resource usage.

Upcoming Online Seminar on PostgreSQL 18

In conjunction with the report release, SRA OSS will host an online seminar on September 12, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:40. The seminar will highlight key points from the report, expounding on the new features explained by PostgreSQL contributors. Participants will also receive an overview of PostgreSQL's evolution up to version 17, providing a comprehensive grasp of the database system's journey and its latest updates.

Cost: Free (registration required)

- For More Details and Registration: SRA OSS Event Page

About SRA OSS

SRA OSS is a specialized firm focused on the development of open-source software (OSS), with extensive experience in PostgreSQL and related technologies. The company also provides support and training across nearly 30 different OSS, including the integrated monitoring software Zabbix. Through investments from SRA Co., Ltd. and NTT Data, SRA OSS aims to expand the application of OSS in mission-critical domains.