On 7/2/06, Joe <dev@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi, I started using PostgreSQL (8.0) about a year ago on Windows. Following the installation instructions, I created a 'postgres' user (BTW, this was based on the Short Version instructions for UNIX, i.e., "adduser postgres" --I'm not sure it this is made explicit elsewhere, even for UNIX). I'm now migrating to FreeBSD and was surprised to find that the port used 'pgsql' as the user. The maintainer said that was done to ensure backward compatibility because that *was* the original name. Since I didn't need to be backward compatible (and my Windows dbs already used 'postgres'), I tried to bypass that (sort of) requirement by renaming 'pgsql' to 'postgres' (in the passwd file) and changing the postgresql_user variable used in the rc startup file. That was OK until I tried to build 8.1.4_1. I figured out how to tweak the build files to stick with 'postgres' but then I realized I'd have to patch them every time I'd fetch a new build, so I went back to 'pgsql'. I'm curious about a few things. How long ago was the 'pgsql' to 'postgres' change (and maybe it would be helpful to know the rationale for the backward incompatible decision--I tried searching in the archives but 'pgsql' and 'postgres' are all too common)? Is there any problem with using 'pgsql' vs. 'postgres' (and are there any plans to deprecate or disallow the former at some point)? Are other UNIX/Linux ports in the same boat, or does any Linux port offer users a choice in this matter? Would any change to the build/install procs have to be done through the current port maintainer or are they somewhere in the PostgreSQL source tree (and subject to standard submission/review procedures)?
I *think* that's a bsd decision to change the name. All of the linux systems I have used for the last 5-6 years have used 'postgres' as the user. -- Postgresql & php tutorials http://www.designmagick.com/
