Re: PostgreSQL 8.0.6 crash

* Tom Lane (tgl@sss.pgh.pa.us) wrote:
> Greg Stark <gsstark@mit.edu> writes:
> > It doesn't seem like a bad idea to have a max_memory parameter that if a
> > backend ever exceeded it would immediately abort the current
> > transaction.
>
> See ulimit (or local equivalent).

As much as setting ulimit in shell scripts is fun, I have to admit that
I really don't see it happening very much.  Having Postgres set a ulimit
for itself may not be a bad idea and would perhaps provide a "least
suprise" for new users.  Perhaps shared_buffers + 10*work_mem +
maintenance_work_mem + max_stack_depth?  Then errors from running out of
memory could provide a 'HINT: Memory consumption went well over allowed
work_mem, perhaps you need to run ANALYZE or raise work_mem?'.
Just some thoughts,
    Stephen