What is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is a standards-compliant open-source relational database known for reliability, data integrity, and a broad feature set. It stores data in tables queried with SQL and supports rich data types, transactions, and extensions.
It is the preferred database for applications such as Odoo and Medusa, where transactional correctness and advanced querying matter.
On TurboStack
TurboStack runs Percona PostgreSQL, a drop-in, performance-focused build of PostgreSQL, as a host-level service. You enable it on a host and pick the major version (for example 17).
Memory sizing is auto-tuned to the server's resources. In particular, the shared_buffers setting, which controls how much memory PostgreSQL uses for caching, is set automatically. You generally do not need to tune it manually. Applications that need PostgreSQL, such as Odoo, connect to the managed instance on the host.
Best practices
- Stay on a current, supported major version and plan major upgrades, which require a migration step.
- Leave
shared_buffersand other sizing auto-tuned unless you have measured evidence to change it. - Keep the database listening on localhost; only widen access when an application or host genuinely needs it.
- Use the extra-access mechanism to grant specific networks or hosts rather than opening the database broadly.
- Take regular backups and verify restores, especially before a major-version upgrade.
- Add indexes for frequent queries and run
VACUUM/ANALYZE(autovacuum handles most of this) to keep performance healthy.