optimize connection pooling in PostgreSQL Flexible Server

Question

I m currently using PostgreSQL Flexible Server on Azure for a web application that experiences variable traffic spikes throughout the day. I noticed performance degradation during peak time particularly with connectin management.
What are the best practices for configuring connection pooling in PostgreSQL Flexible Server?Are there specific settings I should adjust in the PostgreSQL configuration to improve performance?

Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated
thanks

Answer 1

@Rubens Max
Thank you for the question and for using Microsoft Q&A platform.
To optimize connection pooling and overall performance in PostgreSQL Flexible Server on Azure, especially during traffic spikes, here are some best practices and recommendations:

Connection Pooling

Use a Connection Pooler:

• Implement a connection pooler like PgBouncer or Pgpool-II. These tools help manage and maintain a pool of database connections, reducing the overhead of establishing new connections.
• Configure Pooling Settings:
  • Set the pool size based on your workload. A common approach is to start with a size of 10-20 connections and adjust based on testing.
  • Use transaction pooling if possible. This is more efficient for web applications as it allows multiple transactions to share the same connection.
• Adjust Application Settings:
  • Ensure your application is configured to utilize the connection pooler effectively, by maintaining a smaller number of active connections to the database.

PostgreSQL Configuration Adjustments

1. Connection Limits:
   • Adjust the max_connections setting in the PostgreSQL configuration to ensure it accommodates the maximum expected connections from your application and the connection pooler.
2. Workload Management:
   • Utilize the work_mem setting wisely. For operations that involve sorting or joining large datasets, increasing work_mem can improve performance, but be cautious not to set it too high as it can lead to excessive memory usage.
3. Maintenance Settings:
   • Regularly perform VACUUM and ANALYZE operations to optimize database performance. Consider scheduling these during off-peak hours.
4. Caching:
   • Adjust the shared_buffers setting, typically set to 25% of your system's RAM, to improve caching of data.
5. Logging and Monitoring:
   • Enable logging to track slow queries and connection issues. Use tools like Azure Monitor or Azure Database Insights for real-time monitoring.
6. Connection Timeout Settings:
   • Set appropriate connection timeouts (idle_in_transaction_session_timeout, statement_timeout) to free up connections that are not in use.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/postgresql/flexible-server/concepts-connection-pooling-best-practices

Hope this helps. Do let us know if you have any further queries.

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