PostgreSQL 19 is set to introduce query hints through new contrib modules pg_plan_advice and pg_stash_advice, marking a significant shift from the community's long-standing opposition to this feature. The article explores the historical context of this controversial decision, noting that the PostgreSQL community had previously rejected query hints due to concerns about maintenance, upgrade issues, and potential negative impacts on query optimization. This development represents a major milestone in PostgreSQL's evolution, potentially offering DBAs more control over query execution while addressing the community's traditional concerns through a different implementation approach.
Background
PostgreSQL has historically opposed implementing query hints, citing maintenance challenges and potential negative impacts on query optimization. The community's stance has been that users should focus on improving statistics and schema design rather than relying on hints to force specific execution plans.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Jun 9, 2026 at 08:24 PM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10