Day 15 - Restructuring

Today, I embarked on the task of creating a tutorial list for a quick start guide to Postgres extension development. The aim was to provide developers with a structured resource that covers all the essential topics necessary to kick-start their journey in extension development. Through meticulous research and analysis, I identified key areas that should be included in this tutorial to ensure a comprehensive and informative learning experience.

1. Prerequisites:

   • Installation of Postgres: A step-by-step guide to installing and configuring Postgres on different platforms.
   • Familiarity with SQL: An understanding of basic SQL concepts and commands.

2. Extension Basics:

   • Introduction to Postgres Extensions: Explaining the purpose and benefits of extensions in Postgres.
   • Overview of Extension Components: Understanding the role of control files, SQL script files, and other essential elements.
   • Directory Structure: Detailing the recommended directory structure for organizing extension files.

3. Extension Creation:

   • Creating a Control File: A tutorial on creating a control file that defines the extension's metadata.
   • Writing SQL Script Files: Guidance on writing SQL scripts to define the extension's functionality and objects.
   • Versioning and Upgrading: Exploring best practices for versioning and managing upgrades in extension development.

4. Compilation and Installation:

   • Building the Extension: Instructions on using makefiles and other tools to compile the extension.
   • Installation and Activation: Steps to install and activate the extension in a Postgres database.

5. Extension Management:

   • Permissions and Privileges: Understanding the security aspects related to extension management.
   • Uninstalling Extensions: Guidelines on safely uninstalling extensions from a Postgres database.

6. Regression Testing:

   • Introduction to Regression Testing: Explaining the importance of regression testing for extension stability.
   • Using pg_regress: A tutorial on utilizing pg_regress for automated regression testing.
   • Other Regression Testing Tools: Exploring alternative tools such as pgTAP for comprehensive testing.

By incorporating these essential topics into the quick start tutorial, developers will gain a solid foundation in Postgres extension development. The tutorial will provide them with the necessary knowledge and practical guidance to create, compile, install, manage, and test their extensions effectively.

As I continued my research, I explored various third-party sites to gather additional insights into the tutorials and examples available on the web. By reviewing these resources, I aim to refine and enhance the content of the tutorial, ensuring its relevance and comprehensiveness.