Logging Best Practices
PostgreSQL logging supports security, performance tuning, and incident response. These rules balance forensic value against disk and SIEM cost for PostgreSQL 18.4 in cloud and self-hosted environments.
//
Search across all documentation pages
PostgreSQL logging supports security, performance tuning, and incident response. These rules balance forensic value against disk and SIEM cost for PostgreSQL 18.4 in cloud and self-hosted environments.
csvlog, connections, ddl, 1s slow queries, central ship, 30d retention.
Connection events yes; not every replicated row. Use replication metrics for lag.
Yes - parameter group for durations and statement classes; enable log export.
Raise slow threshold, narrow pgaudit scope, drop debug indexes, shorten hot retention.
Useful for correlating with pg_stat_statements - include in prefix when supported.
Insufficient for compliance and slow query tuning. Errors alone miss DDL audit.
stderr locally fine; no production shipper routing.
Platform SRE with DBA input on field requirements.
Elevated pgaudit on admin role during incident; revert after.
Data minimization in message field; DPIA documents legitimate interest for security logs.
Stack versions: This page was written for PostgreSQL 18.4 (stable 18, maintenance 17), pgvector 0.8+, PgBouncer 1.x, Patroni 3.x, and PostGIS 3.5+.
Reviewed by Chris St. John·Last updated Jul 19, 2026