PostgreSQL 18: What's New in Performance, Security

PostgreSQL remains a powerful database, and the upcoming PostgreSQL 18 release brings important changes for database administrators (DBAs). We explore key updates impacting your daily tasks, including the deprecation of MD5 password authentication, which demands a proactive switch to more secure methods like SCRAM-SHA-256. You’ll also learn about critical time zone handling modifications that could affect existing applications and require migration steps. Discover how these changes improve database performance and security, and explore how SQLFlash can further optimize SQL queries, reducing manual optimization by 90% and freeing you to focus on innovation.

This article is designed to give DBAs a focused overview of the key changes in PostgreSQL 18 that will impact their work. We will cover important updates like changes in time zone handling and the deprecation of MD5 password authentication. 🎯 We will also explore performance enhancements and new features that can help DBAs manage their databases more effectively. 💡

1. Key Changes in Time Zone Handling

Time zones are crucial for databases, especially when dealing with data from different locations around the world. Accurate time zone information ensures that timestamps are correctly interpreted, and calculations involving dates and times are precise. PostgreSQL 18 brings important changes to how it handles time zones. These changes are designed to improve accuracy and consistency but may require some adjustments during upgrades.

I. Importance of Accurate Time Zone Data

💡 Think of a global company scheduling meetings. If the database doesn’t handle time zones correctly, people might show up at the wrong time! Accurate time zone data is essential for:

• Scheduling: Correctly coordinating events across different time zones.
• Data Analysis: Ensuring time-based data is analyzed accurately, regardless of its origin.
• Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements for data storage and reporting.
• Logging: Recording events with the correct timestamps for debugging and auditing.

II. Time Zone Abbreviation Handling in PostgreSQL 18

🎯 PostgreSQL 18 changes how it interprets time zone abbreviations. In previous versions, some abbreviations might have been ambiguous or mapped to unexpected time zones. PostgreSQL 18 aims for more consistent and predictable behavior. Reference :2: (This refers to the PostgreSQL 18 release notes, which should be consulted for specific details).

Here’s what you need to know:

• More Precise Mapping: Time zone abbreviations are now mapped more precisely to specific time zones, reducing ambiguity.
• Potential Compatibility Issues: If your application relies on a specific interpretation of a time zone abbreviation, upgrading to PostgreSQL 18 might change the behavior.
• Recommendations: Avoid using time zone abbreviations in new applications. Instead, use full time zone names (e.g., America/Los_Angeles instead of PST).

III. Impact on Existing Applications and Databases

⚠️ Upgrading to PostgreSQL 18 might affect applications that rely on specific time zone abbreviation interpretations.

Migration Steps:

1. Testing: Thoroughly test your application after upgrading to PostgreSQL 18 to identify any time zone-related issues.
2. Review Queries: Examine queries that use time zone abbreviations and verify they still return the expected results.
3. Update Settings: If necessary, adjust your application’s time zone settings or update queries to use full time zone names.

Example:

Let’s say you have a query that uses the PST abbreviation:

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SELECT * FROM events WHERE event_time AT TIME ZONE 'PST' >= now();

After upgrading to PostgreSQL 18, you should verify that PST is interpreted as the time zone you expect. If not, you might need to change the query to use the full time zone name:

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SELECT * FROM events WHERE event_time AT TIME ZONE 'America/Los_Angeles' >= now();

IV. Examples of Time Zone Changes Affecting Queries

Consider a table orders with a timestamp column order_time.

If you query this table and rely on the server’s default time zone or time zone abbreviations, the results might change after upgrading to PostgreSQL 18. Using explicit time zone names in your queries ensures consistent behavior.

V. New Functions and Operators

PostgreSQL 18 might introduce new functions or operators related to time zone handling. Consult the release notes for a complete list. These new features could provide more precise control over time zone conversions and calculations. Keep an eye out for functions that allow you to easily convert timestamps between different time zones or extract specific time zone information from timestamps. Using these new functions can improve the clarity and maintainability of your code.

2. Deprecation of MD5 Password Authentication

I. What is MD5 Password Authentication?

MD5 password authentication is a way for PostgreSQL to check if you are who you say you are when you try to connect. When you enter your password, PostgreSQL uses a special formula called MD5 to scramble it into a unique code. This code is then compared to the code stored in the database. If they match, you’re in!

However, MD5 is an older method and isn’t as secure as newer options. Think of it like an older lock on your front door. It might have worked fine before, but modern tools make it easier for bad actors to break. Because of this, MD5 is considered insecure for modern database environments.

II. PostgreSQL 18 Deprecates MD5

PostgreSQL 18 is making an important change: it’s deprecating MD5 password authentication. ⚠️ Deprecation means that MD5 is still available in this version, but it’s no longer recommended. It’s like a warning sign saying, “This feature might disappear in the future!” In a future version of PostgreSQL, MD5 password authentication will likely be removed completely. It’s important to plan for this change now to avoid problems later.

III. Security Risks of Using MD5

Continuing to use MD5 password authentication puts your database at risk. Here’s why:

• Easily Cracked: MD5 is vulnerable to “collision attacks.” This means that it’s possible to find different passwords that create the same MD5 code. This makes it easier for attackers to guess or figure out your password.
• Outdated Technology: Modern computers are much faster than when MD5 was created. This makes it even easier to crack MD5 passwords using “brute-force” attacks (trying every possible password).
• Compliance Issues: Many security standards and regulations no longer allow the use of MD5 due to its weaknesses.

IV. Migrating to Stronger Authentication Methods

💡 The best way to protect your database is to switch to a stronger authentication method. Here are two good options:

• SCRAM-SHA-256: This is a much more secure way to scramble passwords. It’s the recommended method for most PostgreSQL installations.
• Certificate-Based Authentication: This uses digital certificates to verify your identity. It’s very secure but requires more setup.

To change your authentication method, you need to edit the pg_hba.conf file. This file tells PostgreSQL how to authenticate users.

Here’s an example of how to configure pg_hba.conf to use SCRAM-SHA-256:

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# TYPE  DATABASE        USER            ADDRESS                 METHOD

# IPv4 local connections:
host    all             all             127.0.0.1/32            scram-sha-256

# IPv6 local connections:
host    all             all             ::1/128                 scram-sha-256

# Allow access from a specific network (example)
host    all             all             192.168.1.0/24          scram-sha-256

After editing pg_hba.conf, you need to tell PostgreSQL to reload the configuration:

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SELECT pg_reload_conf();

V. Identifying and Updating MD5 Users

First, you need to find out which users are still using MD5 authentication. You can do this by querying the pg_authid system catalog:

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SELECT rolname FROM pg_authid WHERE rolpassword LIKE 'md5%';

This query will show you a list of users with MD5-encrypted passwords.

To update a user’s password to use SCRAM-SHA-256, you can use the ALTER USER command:

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ALTER USER username WITH PASSWORD 'new_password';

Replace username with the actual username and new_password with the user’s new password. PostgreSQL will automatically use SCRAM-SHA-256 to encrypt the new password. 🎯

VI. Proactive Action is Key

Don’t wait until MD5 is completely removed! Start planning your migration now. This gives you time to test the new authentication methods and update user passwords without causing disruption. By being proactive, you can ensure a smooth and secure transition to PostgreSQL 18 and beyond.

3. Performance Enhancements and New Features

PostgreSQL 18 comes with several performance boosts and new features designed to make your database faster, more efficient, and easier to manage. These improvements are helpful for DBAs who want to get the most out of their PostgreSQL databases.

I. Query Planning Improvements

PostgreSQL 18 includes smarter query planning. This means the database can figure out the best way to find the data you’re looking for. Imagine you’re searching for a specific book in a library. A good query planner is like a librarian who knows exactly where to look, so you find your book quickly.

• Faster Queries: By choosing the most efficient path, queries run faster.
• Reduced Resource Use: Efficient queries use less CPU and memory.

II. Indexing Enhancements

Indexes are like the index in the back of a book. They help PostgreSQL quickly locate specific rows in a table. PostgreSQL 18 has improvements to how indexes work.

• Smaller Index Size: Some indexes now take up less space on your hard drive.
• Faster Index Creation: Creating new indexes is faster than before.
• Improved Index Usage: The database is better at using indexes to speed up queries.

For example, if you frequently search for customers by their last name, a better index on the “last_name” column will make those searches much faster.

III. New Monitoring Tools

Keeping an eye on your database is important. PostgreSQL 18 includes new tools to help you monitor its performance.

• More Detailed Statistics: You can now see more information about how your database is performing, such as how long queries are taking and how much memory is being used.
• Easier Problem Detection: These tools can help you quickly identify problems, such as slow queries or resource bottlenecks.

IV. Enhanced Logging

Logging is like keeping a diary of everything that happens in your database. PostgreSQL 18 has improved logging capabilities.

• More Detailed Logs: Logs now contain more information, making it easier to troubleshoot problems.
• Customizable Logging: You can now customize what gets logged, so you only record the information that’s important to you.

V. New SQL Commands and Functions

PostgreSQL 18 introduces new SQL commands and functions that can simplify common tasks. Here are a few examples:

VI. SQLFlash: AI-Powered SQL Optimization ✨

While PostgreSQL 18 brings many performance improvements, optimizing complex SQL queries can still be challenging. 💡 SQLFlash is an AI-powered tool that automatically rewrites inefficient SQL, reducing manual optimization costs by 90%.

• Automatic Optimization: SQLFlash uses AI to identify and fix slow SQL queries.
• Reduced Manual Effort: Developers and DBAs can focus on other important tasks.
• Improved Performance: Optimized queries run faster and use fewer resources.

SQLFlash complements the built-in enhancements of PostgreSQL 18, providing an additional layer of optimization. 🎯 Let developers and DBAs focus on core business innovation!

Recommended reading

• SQL Optimization Course
• SQL optimization knowledge
• Database industry knowledge

What is SQLFlash?

SQLFlash is your AI-powered SQL Optimization Partner.

Based on AI models, we accurately identify SQL performance bottlenecks and optimize query performance, freeing you from the cumbersome SQL tuning process so you can fully focus on developing and implementing business logic.

How to use SQLFlash in a database?

• SQLFlash + MySQL

• SQLFlash + PostgreSQL