PostgreSQL pgroll – Zero-Downtime, Reversible Schema Migrations
Presented by:
Nishchay Kothari
A seasoned IT professional with over 13 years of extensive experience in the field, my journey in the realm of information technology has been marked by a profound dedication to PostgreSQL, a robust and versatile database management system. Since 2013, I have delved deeply into PostgreSQL, honing my skills and expertise to become a proficient practitioner in its application and optimization. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, I embody the intersection of experience and specialization in the ever-evolving landscape of IT.
Schema migrations in modern applications are often fraught with challenges, including downtime, client application disruption, and complexity in handling breaking changes. PostgreSQL pgroll addresses these issues by providing an innovative solution for zero-downtime, reversible schema migrations.
pgroll is an open-source command-line tool designed for PostgreSQL, ensuring that schema updates are applied safely, without locking the database, and enabling multiple schema versions to coexist. This ensures uninterrupted operation for client applications during migration, even when introducing breaking changes. The tool’s capability to automatically backfill columns and support instant rollbacks further enhances its reliability.
Key Features: Zero-Downtime Migrations: Safeguards against database locking or service disruption. Simultaneous Schema Versions: Maintains compatibility for both old and new schema versions. Automatic Data Backfilling: Seamlessly handles column updates when necessary. Instant Rollback: Allows immediate reversion in case of migration issues. Broad Compatibility: Works with existing schemas, PostgreSQL 14.0+, and popular services like RDS and Aurora. Cross-Platform Support: A single binary written in Go with no external dependencies.
By abstracting the complexities of schema migrations, pgroll empowers developers and database administrators to focus on application development without risking database integrity or service availability.
At PGDU 2025, this session will delve into the technical architecture, key use cases, and practical demonstrations of pgroll. Attendees will learn how to leverage pgroll for safe, scalable, and efficient schema migrations, transforming how PostgreSQL databases evolve in production environments.
- Date:
- 2025 October 17 09:50 +11
- Duration:
- 40 min
- Room:
- Taylor
- Conference:
- PG Down Under 2025
- Language:
- Track:
- Ops and Administration
- Difficulty:
- Easy