Verify that Server Parameter 'log_checkpoints' is set to 'ON' for PostgreSQL Database Server

Framework Reference: A.8.15 Integration: Azure – PostgreSQL Server

Why this matters

Checkpoints are critical events in PostgreSQL that flush in-memory data to disk and update the database’s write-ahead log. Enabling log_checkpoints ensures that each checkpoint is recorded in the query and error logs, providing essential visibility into the database’s internal operations.

Without this setting, issues related to checkpoint frequency, disk I/O, or performance bottlenecks can go undetected. Logging checkpoints supports effective monitoring, tuning, and troubleshooting of PostgreSQL systems.


What this check does

This Auto Check verifies whether the PostgreSQL server parameter log_checkpoints is enabled.

Check Logic:
Passes if:

log_checkpoints is explicitly set to on.

Fails if:

log_checkpoints is unset, null, or set to off.

Applies to:

  • Azure PostgreSQL Single Server
  • Azure PostgreSQL Flexible Server
  • The check retrieves the parameter status through Azure’s configuration API and matches it against the expected string value on.

How to fix it

Use one of the following methods to enable log_checkpoints.

Azure Portal:

  1. Navigate to Azure Database for PostgreSQL servers.
  2. Select your server and open Server parameters.
  3. Search for log_checkpoints.
  4. Set the value to ON.
  5. Click Save.

Azure CLI:

az postgres server configuration set \  --resource-group <resourceGroupName> \  --server-name <serverName> \  --name log_checkpoints \  --value on

PowerShell:

Update-AzPostgreSqlConfiguration `  -ResourceGroupName "<ResourceGroupName>" `  -ServerName "<ServerName>" `  -Name "log_checkpoints" `  -Value "on"

Replace placeholder values with those from your actual Azure configuration.


Exceptions

No exceptions are recommended. Logging checkpoints is a low-overhead setting that supports critical operational diagnostics. If disabled due to log volume concerns, document the decision and implement compensating visibility measures.


Further resources

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