Create multiple Postgres instances on same machine

Question

To test streaming replication, I would like to create a second Postgres instance on the same machine. The idea is that if it can be done on the test server, then it should be tr

Answer 1

On Debian based distros you could use pg_createcluster instead of initdb:

$ pg_createcluster -u [user] -g [group] -d /path/to/data -l /path/to/log -p 5433

Also pg_ctlcluster is an alternative to pg_ctl.

Answer 2

I assume you can work your way out on using postgresql utilities.

Create the clusters

$ initdb -D /path/to/datadb1
$ initdb -D /path/to/datadb2

Run the instances

$ pg_ctl -D /path/to/datadb1 -o "-p 5433" -l /path/to/logdb1 start
$ pg_ctl -D /path/to/datadb2 -o "-p 5434" -l /path/to/logdb2 start

Test streaming

Now you have two instances running on ports 5433 and 5434. Configuration files for them are in data dirs specified by initdb. Tweak them for streaming replication.
Your default installation remains untouched in port 5432.

Answer 3

Steps to create New Server Instance on PostgreSQL 9.5

1. On command prompt run:

   initdb -D Instance_Directory_path -U username -W
   

   (prompts for password)

2. Once the new Instance Directory is created. Run command prompt as Administrator

   pg_ctl register -N service_name -D Instance_Directory_path -o "-p port_no"
   

3. After the service is registered, start server

   pg_ctl start -D Instance_Directory_path -o "-p port_no"