What PostgreSQL version should I choose for production in 2025?

As a database administrator, you know that choosing the right PostgreSQL version is critical for database performance and security. This article guides DBAs through selecting the best PostgreSQL version for production environments in 2025. We examine PostgreSQL 14’s end of life, evaluate the viability of versions 15, 16, and 17, and discuss considerations for adopting PostgreSQL 18.

1. Introduction (background and overview)

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source database system that many businesses rely on for their important data. It’s known for being reliable, following standards, and having lots of features. Choosing the right PostgreSQL version for your production environment is a critical decision. This article helps database administrators (DBAs) make that choice, especially when planning for 2025.

I. Key Terms Defined

To understand PostgreSQL versions, it’s important to know a few key terms:

• Major Version: A significant release of PostgreSQL that often includes new features, improvements, and sometimes changes to how the database works. Examples include PostgreSQL 13, PostgreSQL 14, and PostgreSQL 15.
• Minor Version: A smaller release that focuses on bug fixes, security updates, and small improvements. Minor versions are always compatible with their major version. For example, 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3 are minor versions of PostgreSQL 15.
• End of Life (EOL): When a PostgreSQL version is no longer supported by the community. This means no more bug fixes or security updates. ⚠️ Using an EOL version puts your data at risk.
• Standard Support: The period during which a PostgreSQL version receives bug fixes and security updates from the PostgreSQL community. 💡 This is the time you want to be running a particular version.

II. PostgreSQL Versioning Policy

PostgreSQL follows a specific versioning policy. Major versions are released roughly once a year. These releases introduce new features and can sometimes include changes that require testing and planning when upgrading. Minor versions, on the other hand, are released more frequently and contain only bug fixes and security patches. They are designed to be easy to install and don’t require extensive testing. 🎯

For example, if you’re running PostgreSQL 14.2 and a new minor version, 14.3, is released, upgrading to 14.3 is usually a straightforward process. However, upgrading from PostgreSQL 14 to PostgreSQL 15 (a major version upgrade) requires more planning and testing.

III. Purpose of This Guide

This article is designed to guide DBAs in selecting the best PostgreSQL version for their production environments in 2025. We will examine the factors to consider, discuss the support timelines for different versions, and offer recommendations to ensure your database is secure, stable, and performs well.

IV. PostgreSQL Release Cycle

PostgreSQL typically releases a new major version annually. This means that by 2025, several versions of PostgreSQL will be available. Understanding this release cycle is important because it helps you plan when to upgrade your database.

V. PostgreSQL Support Timelines

Each PostgreSQL version has a specific support timeline. After a certain period, a version reaches its End of Life (EOL). It’s crucial to stay on a supported version to receive important security updates and bug fixes. Running an unsupported version can leave your database vulnerable to attacks.

Note: These are expected EOL dates and are subject to change. Always refer to the official PostgreSQL website for the most up-to-date information.

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2. Understanding PostgreSQL Version Support in 2025

Choosing the right PostgreSQL version for 2025 requires understanding the support lifecycle of each version. PostgreSQL offers a predictable release schedule and support policy, making planning easier. Let’s look at the versions you’ll likely encounter.

I. PostgreSQL 14

🎯 Important: PostgreSQL 14 reaches its end of standard support in February 2025. According to Amazon RDS release calendars and the PostgreSQL community, this is when version 14 will no longer receive security patches or bug fixes.

Using an end-of-life (EOL) version in production is highly discouraged. Here’s why:

• Security Risks: No new security patches means your database is vulnerable to newly discovered exploits.
• No Bug Fixes: Critical bugs will not be addressed, potentially leading to instability and data corruption.
• Limited Community Support: Finding help and resources for an EOL version becomes increasingly difficult.

💡 Recommendation: Do not use PostgreSQL 14 in production in 2025 due to its EOL status. Upgrading to a supported version is essential for security and stability.

II. PostgreSQL 15 & 16

PostgreSQL typically supports major versions for 5 years after their initial release. Let’s consider the likely support status of versions 15 and 16 in 2025.

• PostgreSQL 15: Released in November 2022. It is very likely that PostgreSQL 15 will still be supported in 2025.
• PostgreSQL 16: Released in September 2023. It is also very likely that PostgreSQL 16 will still be supported in 2025.

⚠️ Considerations: Even if versions 15 and 16 are still supported, consider the remaining support window. A shorter remaining window means you’ll need to plan for another upgrade sooner.

Always check the official PostgreSQL website (https://www.postgresql.org/support/versioning/) or your cloud provider’s documentation (AWS RDS, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, Google Cloud SQL) for the most accurate and up-to-date support timelines. Cloud providers may offer extended support for some versions.

III. PostgreSQL 17

PostgreSQL 17 is a viable and recommended option for production in 2025.

• Expected Release: Given PostgreSQL’s release cycle, version 17 was released in late 2024.
• Stability: By 2025, version 17 is expected to be stable enough for production environments.

💡 Benefits: Using a newer version like 17 offers several advantages:

• Improved Performance: Newer versions often include performance enhancements.
• New Features: Access to the latest PostgreSQL features.
• Extended Support: Longer support window compared to older versions.

IV. PostgreSQL 18

PostgreSQL 18 is expected to be released in September 2025.

• Initial Release: While beta versions may be available earlier, deploying the initial major release (18.0) in production is generally not recommended.
• Stability Concerns: The first major release often contains initial bugs and requires some time to stabilize.

⚠️ Recommendation: It’s best to wait for the first minor release (e.g., 18.1) before considering PostgreSQL 18 for production. This allows time for the community to identify and address any initial issues.

3. Factors Influencing Your PostgreSQL Version Choice

Choosing the right PostgreSQL version isn’t just about picking the newest one. Several important things can affect your decision. Let’s look at what you need to think about.

I. Application Compatibility

Your applications are the programs that use your database. It is important to make sure they can work with the PostgreSQL version you choose.

• What to do: Check the application’s documentation. See which PostgreSQL versions the application supports.
• Why it matters: If your application isn’t compatible, it might not work correctly. This can cause errors, data loss, or other problems.
• How to test: Before upgrading your main database, test the new PostgreSQL version with your applications in a test environment. This environment should be similar to your production environment. This helps you find and fix any compatibility issues before they affect your users.

For example, if you have an older application, it might only support PostgreSQL versions 12 or 13. Upgrading to PostgreSQL 16 without testing could cause the application to stop working.

II. Cloud Provider Support

If you use a cloud provider like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, you need to consider their PostgreSQL support.

• What to do: Check your cloud provider’s documentation. Find out which PostgreSQL versions they support and for how long.
• Why it matters: Cloud providers often have their own schedules for supporting PostgreSQL versions. These schedules might be different from the PostgreSQL community’s release schedule. Your cloud provider might stop supporting a version before the community does.
• Example: AWS RDS might support PostgreSQL 14 for a longer period than the community. However, they eventually will stop supporting it. You need to plan for this.

⚠️ Important: Cloud provider support schedules can change. Check their documentation regularly.

III. Security Requirements

Security is a top priority. You need to make sure your database is protected from threats.

• What to do: Use a supported PostgreSQL version. Supported versions receive security patches. These patches fix security problems that are found.
• Why it matters: If you use an unsupported version, you won’t get security patches. This means your database is more vulnerable to attacks. Hackers could steal or damage your data.
• Risk: Running an unsupported version in a production environment is risky. It can lead to serious security breaches.

💡 Best Practice: Always use a supported PostgreSQL version in your production environment. This helps keep your data safe.

IV. Performance Requirements

Newer PostgreSQL versions often include performance improvements.

• What to do: Consider upgrading to a newer version to improve performance. Newer versions often have faster query processing and other optimizations.
• Why it matters: Better performance means your applications run faster. This can improve the user experience and save you money on hardware costs.
• Example: PostgreSQL 15 and 16 include features that can speed up certain types of queries.

Even with the latest PostgreSQL version, inefficient SQL can hinder performance. SQLFlash automatically rewrites inefficient SQL with AI, reducing manual optimization costs by 90%, allowing DBAs to further enhance performance.

4. Recommendation for 2025 and Beyond

Choosing the right PostgreSQL version for your production environment in 2025 requires careful consideration. Given the information we’ve discussed, here’s our recommendation and some important steps to take.

I. Recommended PostgreSQL Version

Based on current release patterns and support timelines, PostgreSQL 17 is likely to be the best choice for new production deployments in 2025.

• Why PostgreSQL 17? Assuming PostgreSQL maintains its release cycle, version 17 should be the current, actively supported version by 2025. This means you’ll benefit from the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. It will also have a longer support window compared to older versions.

⚠️ Important Consideration: While PostgreSQL 17 is the likely recommendation, DBAs must thoroughly evaluate their application’s compatibility with this version. Testing is crucial.

II. Proactive Planning and Monitoring

Staying ahead of the curve is key. Here’s how to ensure a smooth PostgreSQL experience:

• Track Release Schedules: Keep an eye on the PostgreSQL community’s official website for updates on release dates and end-of-life announcements.
• Monitor Support Timelines: Understand when specific versions will reach their end of support. This allows you to plan upgrades well in advance.
• Regularly Review: Schedule periodic reviews of your PostgreSQL version strategy. The database landscape is always evolving.

III. Creating an Upgrade Strategy

Upgrading PostgreSQL doesn’t have to be scary. Here’s how to make it manageable:

• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute. Start planning your upgrade months in advance.
• Test, Test, Test: Create a test environment that mirrors your production environment. Test the new PostgreSQL version with your applications. Identify and address any compatibility issues.
• Rollout Gradually: Consider a phased rollout. Upgrade a small subset of your servers first. Monitor performance and stability before upgrading the rest.
• Have a Rollback Plan: Always have a plan to revert to the previous version if something goes wrong.

IV. Staying Informed

Knowledge is power. Keep up-to-date with the latest PostgreSQL news:

• Subscribe to Mailing Lists: Join the PostgreSQL community mailing lists to receive announcements about updates and security advisories.
• Follow PostgreSQL Blogs: Many excellent blogs cover PostgreSQL topics. These can provide valuable insights and tips.
• Attend Conferences: PostgreSQL conferences are a great way to learn from experts and network with other DBAs.
• Security Advisories: Pay close attention to security advisories. Apply security patches promptly to protect your database.

V. Optimizing SQL Queries with SQLFlash

Regardless of the PostgreSQL version chosen, optimizing SQL queries is essential for optimal performance. Consider using SQLFlash to automatically rewrite inefficient SQL with AI, reducing manual optimization costs significantly and allowing DBAs to focus on strategic initiatives.

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