idle processes

[Johann Spies <johann.spies@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have read quite a variety of stuff on the internet about an explanation for idle postgresql processes but still do not understand the following typical scenario.

This is on Debian (postgresql 9.4.4-1.pgdg80+1).

Running the following (as user crest) on an empty table using psql:

select * from wos.person;

Shows that there are no data in the table.  In psql the process ends and psql is ready for the next query.  However, much later one sees something like this when querying pg_stat_activity:

"book_citation";"postgres";3358;"";f;"2015-08-05 09:00:02.503117+02";"select * from wos.person;"

Now the process is indicated as one run by the user postgres.

As user postgres:


postgres=# select pg_cancel_backend(3358);
 pg_cancel_backend
-------------------
 t
(1 row)

And I can repeat this but ps (or pg_stat_activity) shows process 3358.

Now my questions:

Why does this happen?

Should I do something about it?  If so, what?

Regards

Johann

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Because experiencing your loyal love is better than life itself,
my lips will praise you.  (Psalm 63:3)