>> I couldn't find any past discussions about changing the default to "fast". >> Are there any reasons why that cannot be done in a future release? > > Or at least throw a hint the user's way that -m fast might be needed. I think there are several issues here: 1. Does pg_ctl give a clear indication of the outcome of a failed "smart" mode shutdown? 2. Is the current "smart" shutdown mode behavior useful? 3. Should the default shutdown mode be changed to "fast"? I think felix mainly complained about (1), and that's what I was talking about as well. The current message (I have only an 8.3 handy, but I don't imagine this has changed much) is: pg_ctl stop -t5 waiting for server to shut down........ failed pg_ctl: server does not shut down This leaves out crucial information (namely, "but it will stop accepting new connections and shut down when all current connections are closed"). It seems like something along those lines should be added to the error message, or perhaps at least to pg_ctl documentation. Currently, the docs page ( http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/static/app-pg-ctl.html ) only hints at this, and pg_ctl --help does not really mention this at all. Of the two other issues, (3) seems reasonable (I have no strong feelings there either way), and (2) is probably a moot point (the behavior won't change in a backward-incompatible manner now, and if it's dethroned as default, that doesn't really matter). --- Maciek Sakrejda | System Architect | Truviso 1065 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Suite 215 Foster City, CA 94404 (650) 242-3500 Main www.truviso.com -- Sent via pgsql-performance mailing list (pgsql-performance@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx) To make changes to your subscription: http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-performance