PostgreSQL does not require the extensive use of disk resources. In fact, in comparison to products such as Oracle,
PostgreSQL could be considered fat free. However, PostgreSQL is a database, and as with any database, the requirements
will grow as you continue to use PostgreSQL.
On an average Linux machine, you will need approximately 50 MB of hard-drive space to unpack the source and another
60 MB of hard drive space to compile the source. If you choose to run the regression tests, you will need an additional 30
MB. Depending on the configuration options you choose, PostgreSQL can take anywhere from 8 to 15 MB of hard drive space
once installed.
Note: Remember that PostgreSQL’s space requirements will grow as you use the system! Be sure to plan ahead for the amount of data
you will be storing.
Trying to install on a system lacking in disk space is potentially dangerous! Before installing PostgreSQL, we
recommend that you check your filesystem to be sure you have enough disk space in your intended installation partition
(e.g.,
/usr/local
). If you have a GNU-based system, the
df
command should be at
your disposal. Example 2-4 checks for free disk space, reported in 1k blocks.
Example 2-4. Verifying disk space
$
df -k
Filesystem 1k-blocks Used Available Use% Mounted on
/dev/hda1 2355984 932660 1303644 42% /
/dev/hdb1 4142800 2133160 1799192 54% /home
/dev/hda6 1541680 272540 1190828 19% /usr/local
