PostgreSQL production checklist

Last reviewed Jun 1, 2026 Content v20260601

Track mode

sql_sandbox

Means

SQL sandbox

Reading

~1 min

Level

intermediate

This lesson

This lesson teaches PostgreSQL production checklist: the SQL patterns, schema habits, and query reasoning you need before advancing in PostgreSQL.

Teams query PostgreSQL production checklist on every PostgreSQL codebase—skipping it leaves gaps in debugging and data reviews.

You will apply PostgreSQL production checklist in contexts like: Modern startups, geospatial apps, and analytics-friendly OLTP systems.

Copy Postgres SQL into psql, local PostgreSQL, or DB Fiddle (PostgreSQL dialect)—use \d and EXPLAIN ANALYZE where lessons show them. The in-browser lab ships later; psql is the practice path now.

When earlier lessons and MCQs feel comfortable, or when you deploy Django/Python apps on Postgres in production.

Shipping Postgres means backups tested, monitoring autovacuum, least-privilege roles, connection pooling, and migration discipline—not only correct SELECT syntax.

Checklist

Automated backups + monthly restore drill
Monitoring: connections, replication lag, disk, autovacuum
Indexes driven by EXPLAIN on real workloads
Secrets in env vars; TLS enforced
Pooler in front of app servers
Extensions version-pinned and documented

Dangerous operations

BEGIN;
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM orders WHERE status = 'stale';
-- confirm count
DELETE FROM orders WHERE status = 'stale';
-- COMMIT; or ROLLBACK;

Practice: Review prior lessons in psql, then attempt interview-style queries without peeking.

Next steps

Deepen app integration on Django and Python tracks. Compare engines on MySQL. Revisit fundamentals on SQL when mentoring juniors.

Important interview questions and answers

Q: Why restore drills?
A: Backups fail silently until restore proves data integrity.
Q: Superuser in app?
A: Never—use scoped roles and RLS for multi-tenant data.

Self-check

Name three production monitoring areas for Postgres.
What should you run before a mass DELETE?

Tip: Capstone: backups tested, pooler, least privilege, EXPLAIN-driven indexes. Next: deepen Django/Python tracks.

Interview prep

Before mass DELETE?: SELECT count with same WHERE inside a transaction.
Autovacuum?: Must stay enabled—tune rather than disable on churn tables.

Discussion

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Slow query log?
Next MySQL track?

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