How to explain analyze PostgreSQL plpgsql function in pgAdmin4? - postgresql

We are porting MSSQL procs to PostgreSQL plpgsql functions in PG version 12. Each function RETURNS TABLE.
How can we explain analyze the inside of the functions to figure out where the bottle necks are?
Inside pgAdmin4 query window we enable the verbose explain and execute the function call like this:
select * from rts.do_something(301, 7, '[{"id":3488269, "seq":2, "ts":"2020-07-27"}]'::json);
However, the explain tab on the bottom of the window comes back with an icon just says: "rts.Function Scan" and nothing else:
There HAS to be a simple way of doing this?

PostgreSQL query planner treats function as "black boxes". They are planned and optimized, but in a separate process.
You can peek inside by using the auto_explain module: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/auto-explain.html
After enabling the module, set the following parameters:
SET auto_explain.log_nested_statements = ON; -- this will log function internal statements
SET auto_explain.log_min_duration = 0; -- this will give you logs of all statements in the session
Check the documentation on the link above for more details or ask in the comments.

Related

How to detect if Postgresql function utilizing index on the tables or not

I have created a PL/pgSQL table-returning function that executes a SELECT statement and uses the input parameter in the WHERE clause of the query.
I frame the statement dynamically and execute it like this: EXECUTE sqlStmt USING empID;
sqlStmt is a variable of data type text that has the SELECT query which joins 3 tables.
When I execute that query in pgAdmin and analyze I could see that 'Index scan' on the tables are utilized as expected. However, when I do EXPLAIN ANALYZE SELECT * from fn_getDetails(12), the output just says "Function scan".
How do we know if the table indexes are utilized? Other SO answers to use auto_explain module did not provide details of the function body statements. And I am unable to use the PREPARE inside my function body.
The time taken by execution of the direct SELECT statement is almost the same as the use of function, just couple of milliseconds, but how can I know if the index was used?
auto_explain will certainly provide the requested information.
Set the following parameters:
shared_preload_libraries = 'auto_explain' # requires a restart
auto_explain.log_min_duration = 0 # log all statements
auto_explain.log_nested_statements = on # log statements in functions too
The last parameter is required for tracking SQL statements inside functions.
To activate the module, you need to restart the database.
Of course, testing if the index is used in a query on a small table won't give you a reliable result. You need about as many test data as you expect to have in reality.

How to not execute INSERT in read-only transaction

Postgres server is in hot standbuy mode.
Asynchronou streaming binary replication is used.
Command like
INSERT INTO logfile (logdate) values (current_date)
Causes error
cannot execute INSERT in a read-only transaction.
Maybe it should be changed to
INSERT INTO logfile (logdate)
SELECT current_date
WHERE ???
What where condition should used ?
It should work starting at Postgres 9.0
If direct where clause is not possible, maybe some plpgsql function can used in where.
Maybe
show transaction_read_only
result should captured or some function can used.
Alternately application can determine if database is read-only in startup. Should show transaction_read_only result used for this.
Running INSERT on a standby server is not possible in pure (non-procedural) SQL because when the server is in standby mode, all the data-modification queries are rejected in planning phase, before it's executed.
It's possible with conditionals in PL/PgSQL.
DO $code$
BEGIN
IF NOT pg_is_in_recovery() THEN
INSERT INTO logfile (logdate) VALUES (current_date);
END IF;
END;
$code$;
However, it's probably not recommended - it's usually better to test pg_is_in_recovery() once (in application code) and then act accordingly.
I'm using pg_is_in_recovery() system function instead of transaction_read_only GUC because it's not exactly the same thing. But if you prefer that, please use:
SELECT current_setting('transaction_read_only')::bool
More info: DO command, conditionals in PL/PgSQL, system information functions.

Using PREPARE with INTO in PostgreSQL

I'm studying the PREPARE and EXECUTE commands to optimize my functions in PostgreSQL, but i have some problems.
I have the following PREPARE command:
PREPARE my_query(int) AS SELECT id FROM table1 WHERE id = $1;
So, I need store this result (ID) into a variable, like this:
EXECUTE my_query(10) INTO var_1;
But I got a syntax error. What is the correct way to do this?
Your question doesn't really make any sense to me.
If you are trying to execute the prepared statement from within PL/PgSQL than you're out of luck. The EXECUTE command is reserved for a different purpose within PL/PgSQL. Not that it would have much use, PL/PgSQL plans are prepared and cached by default anyhow :)
If you are trying to do this outside of PL/PgSQL than the INTO would mean you are trying to write the result to a new table. Something you are unlikely to do/need that often.

What is the purpose of pgScript in PostgreSQL?

I have failed to understand the need for pgScript, which could be executed using pgAdmin tool. When it should be used? What it can do that plpgSQL cannot do? What is equivalent of it in Microsoft SQL Server?
pgScript is a client-side scripting language, while pl/PgSQL runs on the server. This means they have entirely different use cases. For example, PgScript can manage transaction status while pl/PgSQL cannot, but pl/Pgsql can be used to extend the language of SQL while pgScript cannot do that.
Additionally it means the two will handle many other things quite differently ranging from query plans to dynamic SQL, and while pgScript requires round trips between queries pl/Pgsql does not.
One use for pgScript is to define variables and use them later in your SQLs.
For example, you could do something like this:
declare #mytbl, #maxid;
set #mytbl = 'sometable';
set #maxid = 2500;
set #res = select count(*) from #mytbl where id <= #maxid;
print #res;
This approach is to just have any variables you want to change at the top of your script, rather than those getting buried deep inside complex SQL queries.
Of course, pgScript is a feature available only inside PgAdmin III client like #{Craig Ringer} mentioned in his comment.
I used DDL script generator from Toad Data Modeler.
I ran the script using normal query execution in PgAdmin-III but it kept giving me error:
"ERROR: relation "user" already exists SQL state: 42P07".
I ran Execute pgScript in PgAdmin-III and it worked fine.

How do I store a set of queries inside PostgreSQL so I can easily run it again?

I want to save a set of queries (multiple SQL updates) as a single element that I can execute using pgAdmin3 (PostgreSQL 9.1).
I know that I can save single SELECTS as views but how about multiple UPDATE queries?
Example:
BEGIN;
UPDATE ...;
UPDATE ...;
COMMIT;
Update: What I looking for is a step-by-step guide of adding a stored procedure using the GUI, not running a SQL query that creates it.
So far, I encountered two problems with "New function...": the return type is required and found that NULL is not acceptable, so tried integer. Also, set the type to SQL but I don't know what exactly to write inside the SQL tab, whatever I try the OK button is still disabled and the statusbar says: Please enter function source code.
Do you know or did you try stored procedure (well, stored-procedure-like functions) ?
http://www.postgresql.org/docs/9.1/interactive/plpgsql-structure.html
To call it
select <name of function>(<param1>, <param2>) as result;
Here is the missing guide for a basic SQL stored procedure, one that does return 1.
right click on Functions and choose New Function...
complete name as my_procedure, return type as integer, language as sql
select Definition tab and write SELECT 1;
done
It would be nice to know if you can create queries that are returning nothing.