Palak Chaturvedi
SDE @ Microsoft
I am a Software Engineer at Microsoft, deeply engaged in the world of PostgreSQL. With a passion for databases and distributed systems, I love uncovering hidden bugs and solving complex engineering challenges. Since graduating, I have spent the past year working on PostgreSQL, tackling everything from data corruption issues to replication intricacies.
I am always eager to learn new technologies and push the boundaries of what’s possible. When I’m not debugging or optimizing systems, you’ll find me immersed in books, gaming, or exploring the next big challenge.
POSETTE 2025 Talk
Debugging Data Corruption in PostgreSQL: A Systematic Approach
Data corruption in PostgreSQL can severely impact database integrity, leading to service disruptions, data loss, and incorrect query results. This talk introduces a structured framework for diagnosing and addressing such issues using PostgreSQL’s built-in tools, Linux utilities, and advanced debugging techniques. Drawing from real-world scenarios, this framework highlights practical methods for detecting errors like "Could not read block," "Cannot freeze committed xmax," and "Could not locate valid checkpoint."
The talk will also propose enhancements to PostgreSQL to simplify debugging and increase resilience. Suggestions include improving error messages to provide richer context, extending pg_verify_checksums to offer detailed block-level diagnostic reports, and introducing built-in debugging interfaces for easier analysis of backend state and block data.
By the end of this session, attendees will have a clear methodology to detect and resolve data corruption in PostgreSQL, gain insights into preventive measures, and explore ideas to enhance PostgreSQL’s support for such investigations. This talk aims to empower DB admin, developers, and PostgreSQL hackers alike, offering tools, strategies, and suggestions to ensure long-term reliability and improved debugging capabilities.
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