PostgreSQL 19 Beta 4 has been released as the final beta before an October release candidate, introducing a unified REPACK command, a new WAIT command for reliable read-your-writes replication, and enhancements to autovacuum. However, several ambitious features were reverted to ensure reliability and maintain the release schedule, including SQL/PGQ support and online checksum toggling. Major breaking changes include JIT being turned off by default, the removal of RADIUS authentication, and mandatory standard_conforming_strings. The PostgreSQL community emphasizes the importance of thorough testing during this beta phase to ensure stability before the official release

PostgreSQL 19 Beta 4 Release Date: New Features, Reverts, and Breaking Changes

PostgreSQL 19 Beta 4 shipped today as the penultimate pre-release ahead of an October release candidate and possible general availability. It introduces a unified REPACK maintenance command with a CONCURRENTLY option, a WAIT command for reliable read-your-writes replication, and parallel autovacuum with a new scoring system. In a rare move, the community reverted several ambitious features, including SQL/PGQ, online checksum toggling, and partition merge/split, to protect reliability and the schedule. Operators should weigh breaking changes like JIT now off by default, RADIUS authentication removed, and forced standard_conforming_strings before upgrading.

PostgreSQL 19 Beta 4 Release Date: New Features, Reverts, and Breaking Changes @ Linux Compatible