Executive TL;DR:

• PostgreSQL can crash due to the OOM killer if memory overcommit is not managed properly.
• Using strict memory overcommit can help prevent crashes but may have unintended side effects.
• Isolating mission-critical services like databases on their own compute nodes is recommended.

The Internet’s Verdict: 70% Hyped, 30% Skeptical

Introduction to PostgreSQL and OOM Killer

PostgreSQL is a popular open-source relational database management system. However, it can be affected by the OOM killer, which can cause crashes if memory overcommit is not managed properly.

Forum Voices

Experts in the field have weighed in on the issue. For example, Ozgun from Ubicloud notes:

(Ozgun from Ubicloud) I agree with the blog post’s technical contents, but I feel we came across too strong in the title. For Ubicloud as a managed Postgres provider, we use strict memory overcommit. Our experience with operating Postgres at scale taught us that it’s better to enable this than going with the defaults.

Another expert notes the importance of isolating mission-critical services:

I think this is also a good lesson on why it’s best to isolate mission-critical services like databases on their own compute nodes.

Best Practices for Memory Overcommit

While using strict memory overcommit can help prevent crashes, it may have unintended side effects. Experts recommend testing and caution when using mode 2, especially if overcommit ratios have already been adjusted.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing memory overcommit is crucial for preventing PostgreSQL crashes. By following best practices and testing thoroughly, you can ensure the stability of your database.

Focus Keyword: PostgreSQL OOM