How to Configure PostgreSQL With AI

Configuring a PostgreSQL database to achieve peak performance, security, and high availability has long been an art based on experience, intuition, and, in many cases, technical guesswork. The truth is, optimizing a database system, especially one as robust and customizable as PostgreSQL, is a complex equation with hundreds of interconnected variables. Every tweak to parameters like shared_buffers, work_mem, or effective_cache_size can be the difference between an application that soars and one that struggles under heavy traffic.

For years, the database optimization process was a reactive and repetitive cycle: wait for a performance issue, diagnose the bottleneck, test a new configuration, and hope the change didn’t create a new problem elsewhere. This cycle, while necessary, is unsustainable in high-criticality and high-traffic environments.

But what if your team could move beyond the reactive mode? What if artificial intelligence, armed with an impossible volume of data for a human to analyze, could predict bottlenecks, identify anomalies, and suggest the best configurations in real time? This isn’t about replacing human expertise but about equipping DBAs and IT managers with a tool that exponentially boosts their knowledge.

The AI revolution has already arrived in the database world, and mastering this partnership between technology and human knowledge is a strategic necessity for any company that values performance and operational continuity.

In this article, HTI Tecnologia, a Brazilian company with over two decades of expertise in consulting, support, and 24/7 database maintenance, demystifies how configuring PostgreSQL with AI can transform your infrastructure management. We’ll show you not only how this technology works but also why outsourcing your DBA is the smartest way to make the most of this revolution.

1. The Fight Against Complexity: Why Manual Optimization Fails

PostgreSQL, as a leader among open-source databases, is known for its flexibility and vast range of configuration options. The postgresql.conf file is a true toolbox with hundreds of parameters, each impacting resource usage like CPU, memory, I/O, and transactional behavior differently. For a DBA, understanding the interaction between these parameters and the unique workload of each application is a monumental challenge.

Think about the main pain points for a DBA when optimizing a PostgreSQL server:

Memory Configuration: shared_buffers and work_mem are crucial. A shared_buffers value that’s too low can force the database to constantly read from disk, while a value that’s too high can steal memory from the operating system and cause swapping. work_mem, on the other hand, directly affects the performance of complex sorts and joins. Optimizing these parameters requires an in-depth analysis of the workload and available hardware, a time-consuming and error-prone process.

shared_buffers = 1GB         
                            
work_mem = 64MB              

effective_cache_size = 4GB

Checkpoint and WAL Management: Parameters like max_wal_size and checkpoint_timeout control the checkpoint process, which writes modified data from the cache to disk. A poorly configured checkpoint can generate massive I/O spikes, stalling the system at critical moments.

max_wal_size = 4GB           
min_wal_size = 1GB  
checkpoint_timeout = 30min   
checkpoint_completion_target = 0.9  
wal_buffers = 16MB

Autovacuum Tuning: The autovacuum process is vital for preventing table and index bloat. If autovacuum is too aggressive, it can consume resources unnecessarily. If it’s too slow, it can lead to severe performance degradation and uncontrolled database growth.

autovacuum = on              
log_autovacuum_min_duration = 500ms  
autovacuum_max_workers = 3   
autovacuum_vacuum_cost_limit = 200  
autovacuum_vacuum_scale_factor = 0.2  
autovacuum_analyze_scale_factor = 0.1  

SELECT relname, last_autovacuum, last_autoanalyze
FROM pg_stat_all_tables
WHERE relname = 'your_table';

Query Optimization: Analyzing and optimizing queries can consume most of a DBA’s time. EXPLAIN ANALYZE is a powerful tool, but it requires the DBA to understand the execution plan and have a deep knowledge of the application’s data structure. In environments with hundreds or thousands of different queries, this task is practically impossible to do completely and continuously.

EXPLAIN ANALYZE
SELECT
    c.nome_cliente,
    COUNT(p.id_pedido) AS total_orders,
    SUM(p.valor_total) AS total_amount_spent
FROM
    clientes c
JOIN
    pedidos p ON c.id_cliente = p.id_cliente
WHERE
    p.data_pedido BETWEEN '2023-01-01' AND '2023-12-31'
    AND c.status = 'active'
GROUP BY
    c.nome_cliente
ORDER BY
    total_amount_spent DESC
LIMIT 10;

CREATE INDEX idx_pedidos_data_cliente ON pedidos (data_pedido, id_cliente);
CREATE INDEX idx_clientes_status ON clientes (status);

The reactive optimization approach, where problems are only addressed after the development team or users report slowdowns, leads to a vicious cycle of “firefighting.” The time spent on manual analysis and stress testing could be used for more strategic business projects.

2. Artificial Intelligence: Your Co-Pilot for the Future of Databases

AI isn’t here to take your job. It’s here to give you superpowers, transforming you from an IT “firefighter” into a proactive “architect.” Unlike a human, AI doesn’t get tired, has no biases, and can process terabytes of data in minutes, identifying patterns, correlations, and anomalies that would be invisible to the naked eye.

The use of AI in database management fits the concept of AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations). AI uses machine learning algorithms to automate and optimize complex tasks, ensuring your database is always operating at its maximum capacity. Let’s see how this technology applies in practice to configuring PostgreSQL with AI:

Predictive Analysis of Workload and Resource Usage: AI tools analyze your database’s historical usage, such as CPU, memory, disk I/O, and query latency. Using time-series models, it can predict traffic spikes and resource demand in advance, allowing the IT team to proactively adjust configurations or scale the infrastructure before performance is impacted.

SELECT
    pg_stat_get_cpu_usage() AS cpu_usage_percent,
    pg_stat_get_wal_records_inserted() AS wal_records,
    pg_stat_get_db_io_time_total() AS total_io_time;

SELECT
    query,
    calls,
    total_time,
    mean_time,
    stddev_time
FROM
    pg_stat_statements
ORDER BY
    total_time DESC
LIMIT 10;

Dynamic Parameter Recommendations: AI continuously monitors your PostgreSQL’s behavior. If it detects that work_mem is undersized for the queries being executed, it can automatically suggest adjusting it to an ideal value. AI doesn’t just suggest the change; it explains why, based on the analysis of millions of data points, removing the guesswork from the equation. This includes optimizing wal_buffers for high-transaction workloads and maintenance_work_mem for more efficient VACUUM operations.

sudo nano /etc/postgresql/14/main/postgresql.conf

work_mem = 16MB


sudo pg_ctl reload -D /var/lib/postgresql/14/main

sudo systemctl reload postgresql

Query Optimization at Scale: This is one of the biggest advantages. AI can analyze pg_stat_statements and the execution plans of all your database queries. It identifies the slowest queries, the ones that consume the most resources, and, most importantly, suggests solutions. The AI tool can recommend creating composite indexes, reorganizing joins, or even rewriting parts of queries to be more efficient, freeing the DBA to focus on more complex tasks.

CREATE INDEX idx_produtos_categoria_preco ON produtos (categoria, preco);

SELECT DISTINCT u.*
FROM usuarios u
JOIN log_acessos la ON u.id = la.id_usuario
WHERE la.data >= '2023-01-01';

Anomaly Detection and Security: AI learns the “normal” behavior of your database and can instantly detect any deviation. An unexpected increase in the number of connections, atypical queries, or logins from suspicious IPs are flagged immediately. This allows the security team and DBAs to act quickly to contain threats like SQL injection attacks or unauthorized access.

SELECT
    pid,
    usename,
    datname,
    client_addr,
    application_name,
    state,
    query_start,
    query
FROM
    pg_stat_activity
WHERE
    state = 'active'
ORDER BY
    query_start;

tail -f /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-*.log | grep "ERROR"

Using AI for database optimization is a game-changer. It allows infrastructure management to be proactive, predictive, and much smarter, transforming a DBA’s routine from a battle against incidents into a job of strategy and innovation.

3. The Hybrid Workflow: The Practice of Intelligent Optimization with HTI

The success of applying AI in database management is not in blind automation, but in creating a hybrid workflow where technology and human experience complement each other. HTI Tecnologia understands this dynamic and incorporates it into its support and maintenance model. The ideal workflow looks like this:

Massive Data Collection: AI collects all possible data from your PostgreSQL environment: error logs, resource usage statistics, query information, and system metadata. This creates a complete and detailed picture of your infrastructure’s health.
Real-Time Analysis and Diagnosis: The AI tool processes and cross-references this data to identify the root causes of performance issues. It generates clear reports and actionable alerts, eliminating the need for a DBA to spend hours manually investigating each problem.
Validated Optimization Suggestions: AI doesn’t just point out the problem; it also suggests the solution. It might recommend a fine-tuning of a parameter, the creation of a specific index, or even a review of a table’s partitioning plan.
Human Validation and Implementation (the most critical step): This is where HTI Tecnologia’s expertise comes in. A senior DBA analyzes the AI’s suggestions. Based on their vast experience, they validate the proposal, consider the business context, and apply the changes safely and controllably, ensuring there’s no negative impact on the production environment. This human validation is what distinguishes a mere AI service from a secure and reliable one.

sudo cp /etc/postgresql/14/main/postgresql.conf /etc/postgresql/14/main/postgresql.conf.backup_20240423

sudo sed -i 's/^#max_connections = 100/max_connections = 200/' /etc/postgresql/14/main/postgresql.conf

sudo systemctl restart postgresql

This proactive work model, where AI points the way and HTI’s senior DBA validates and implements, ensures your company is not just reacting to problems but is continuously improving its infrastructure to a level of excellence.

4. More Than Technology: The Strategic Advantage of DBA Outsourcing

Adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-powered PostgreSQL optimization tools, requires a considerable investment in licensing, training, and expertise. For most companies, especially medium-sized ones, maintaining an in-house team of 24/7 DBAs is financially unfeasible and strategically inefficient.

This is where partnering with a company like HTI Tecnologia becomes a smart strategic decision. Outsourcing your DBA, or hiring a support and maintenance service, offers benefits that go far beyond access to advanced tools:

Focus on Your Core Business: Your internal DevOps and development team can focus on what truly matters: building new products and features. HTI takes full responsibility for the health, performance, and security of your databases, freeing up your talent for innovation.
Access to an Unmatched Pool of Expertise: You’re not hiring a single DBA but a complete team of specialists. HTI’s team has deep knowledge of various database platforms (MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, Neo4J, in addition to PostgreSQL). This diverse experience allows them to find the best solution for any challenge, no matter the complexity.
Guaranteed 24/7 Operational Continuity: An in-house DBA can take a vacation, get sick, or be busy with other projects. HTI Tecnologia offers uninterrupted support and maintenance, with specialists on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A performance issue at 3 a.m. on a Sunday won’t be a disaster; it will be an incident that HTI resolves in record time, before your customer even notices. Operational continuity is the guarantee that your company can grow without fear of interruptions. To learn more about how we ensure high availability, check out our page on our 24/7 database support service.

In an increasingly competitive market, where the availability and speed of applications define success, the decision to outsource your database management is an investment in peace of mind, efficiency, and security.

5. The Future of the DBA: A Data Architect Empowered by AI

AI is changing the role of the DBA. Repetitive, trial-and-error-based tasks are being gradually automated, freeing the DBA to focus on more strategic, high-value activities. The DBA of the future is a data architect, a consultant who works closely with development and business teams.

They use AI as a diagnostic and optimization tool to focus on high-level decisions, such as:

Defining Database Architecture: Creating high-availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions.

wal_level = replica
archive_mode = on
archive_command = 'cp %p /mnt/server_backup/pg_wal_archive/%f'
max_wal_senders = 10
wal_keep_size = 512MB

hot_standby = on

Scalability Strategy: Planning database growth, whether through sharding, replication, or other scalability techniques.

Security and Compliance: Ensuring the database complies with security standards like LGPD and other industry regulations.

CREATE USER app_user WITH PASSWORD 'strong_password_here';
GRANT CONNECT ON DATABASE your_database TO app_user;
GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON ALL TABLES IN SCHEMA public TO app_user;
ALTER DEFAULT PRIVILEGES FOR USER app_user IN SCHEMA public GRANT SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE ON TABLES TO app_user;

# ssl = on
# ssl_cert_file = '/etc/ssl/certs/server.crt'
# ssl_key_file = '/etc/ssl/private/server.key'
# ssl_ca_file = '/etc/ssl/certs/ca.crt'

Schema Optimization: Collaborating with developers to design the database schema to ensure long-term performance and scalability.

The partnership between human and machine is the key to a more efficient, secure, and resilient IT infrastructure. The database market is constantly evolving, and HTI Tecnologia is at the forefront, applying the best practices and most advanced tools to ensure its clients have a robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure.

Our team is ready to be an extension of yours, taking care of your databases so you can focus on what really matters: the success of your business. Don’t leave your PostgreSQL’s performance to chance or your team’s “guesswork.”

Take Your Infrastructure to the Next Level

Don’t waste time on performance issues or unexpected downtime. HTI Tecnologia has the knowledge, experience, and right tools to ensure your databases are always optimized and available. Click here and schedule a conversation with one of our specialists now.

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