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264 points davidgomes | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0.618s | source
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noirscape ◴[] No.41877487[source]
Because the actual process of upgrading Postgres is terrible.

I say this as someone who absolutely loves using it, but the actual process of upgrading Postgres is something that takes significant downtime, is error-prone and you're often better off just dumping all the databases and reimporting them in a new folder. (A good idea in general since it'll vacuum and compact indexes as well if you do it, combining a few maintenance routines in your upgrade path.)

It requires having the previous version of Postgres installed, something which can mess with a number of distro policies (not to mention docker, which is the most popular way to deploy software that will typically rely on Postgres), and unlike most software with that issue, Postgres is software you want to be managed by your distro.

Therefore, most people only upgrade by necessity - when their distro forces the upgrade or the version they're using reaches EOL.

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1. CrimsonRain ◴[] No.41878101[source]
I fully agree. That's why I use this: https://github.com/pgautoupgrade/docker-pgautoupgrade

But obviously this is not suitable for all use cases. I don't know why pg doesn't invest in this sector.

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2. DavidPP ◴[] No.41881649[source]
Thanks for the link, wasn't aware of this solution.
3. elcritch ◴[] No.41884461[source]
Financial incentives likely, because PG is developed by companies that make money via providing support. Doesn't have to be an insidious plot but just why work on something you know well and that makes you money. MSSQL wants people to pay to upgrade, it behooves them to make it seemless.