The PostgreSQL Global Development Group has officially released the first release candidate (RC) for PostgreSQL 18, marking a significant step in the development of this popular open-source database management system. This RC is anticipated to closely resemble the final version, with only minor adjustments expected prior to its official launch.
The general availability of PostgreSQL 18 is scheduled for September 25, 2025. Users currently on earlier versions seeking to upgrade to PostgreSQL 18 RC 1 must utilize a major version upgrade strategy, such as pg_upgrade or pg_dump/pg_restore, to facilitate a smooth transition. Detailed instructions for the upgrade process can be found in the official documentation.
Several improvements and bug fixes have been implemented since the Beta 3 release, including a correction for the `vacuumdb` command and added instructions for reindexing full-text search and pg_trgm indexes post-upgrade. For a complete overview of the changes, users are encouraged to refer to the open items page.
As PostgreSQL 18 RC 1 is the first of its kind in the development cycle, the release schedule is subject to change should any significant issues surface. However, there are currently no anticipated delays, and the team is committed to adhering to the planned release date.
For those interested in further information and ongoing updates, the PostgreSQL Beta Testing page serves as a valuable resource.
Additionally, PostgreSQL 18 is expected to include advancements in support for various data types, enhanced indexing capabilities, and optimizations for parallel query execution, which could significantly improve the efficiency of database operations.
The continuous evolution of PostgreSQL highlights the project's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to user needs, ensuring that it remains a leading choice for database management solutions in diverse applications across industries. Users are encouraged to engage with the community through forums and mailing lists to share their experiences and contribute to the ongoing development process
The general availability of PostgreSQL 18 is scheduled for September 25, 2025. Users currently on earlier versions seeking to upgrade to PostgreSQL 18 RC 1 must utilize a major version upgrade strategy, such as pg_upgrade or pg_dump/pg_restore, to facilitate a smooth transition. Detailed instructions for the upgrade process can be found in the official documentation.
Several improvements and bug fixes have been implemented since the Beta 3 release, including a correction for the `vacuumdb` command and added instructions for reindexing full-text search and pg_trgm indexes post-upgrade. For a complete overview of the changes, users are encouraged to refer to the open items page.
As PostgreSQL 18 RC 1 is the first of its kind in the development cycle, the release schedule is subject to change should any significant issues surface. However, there are currently no anticipated delays, and the team is committed to adhering to the planned release date.
For those interested in further information and ongoing updates, the PostgreSQL Beta Testing page serves as a valuable resource.
Extended Information
As the PostgreSQL community continues to grow, the release of version 18 is highly anticipated for its potential new features and enhancements aimed at improving performance, scalability, and usability. The PostgreSQL team is actively seeking feedback during the RC phase, encouraging developers and database administrators to test the new functionalities and report any issues.Additionally, PostgreSQL 18 is expected to include advancements in support for various data types, enhanced indexing capabilities, and optimizations for parallel query execution, which could significantly improve the efficiency of database operations.
The continuous evolution of PostgreSQL highlights the project's commitment to innovation and responsiveness to user needs, ensuring that it remains a leading choice for database management solutions in diverse applications across industries. Users are encouraged to engage with the community through forums and mailing lists to share their experiences and contribute to the ongoing development process
PostgreSQL 18 Release Candidate Now Available
The PostgreSQL Global Development Group has announced the availability of the first release candidate (RC) for PostgreSQL 18, with a planned general availability date of September 25, 2025. To upgrade from earlier versions, users will need to employ a major version upgrade strategy such as pg_upgrade or pg_dump/pg_restore. Several bug fixes were applied since Beta 3, including improvements to vacuumdb and guidance on reindexing full-text search indexes after upgrading. The RC is expected to be nearly identical to the final release, with minor fixes made before its general availability.
PostgreSQL 18 Release Candidate Now Available @ Linux Compatible
