Here are top PostgreSQL monitoring tools for Ubuntu, categorized by type and use case:
1. Terminal-Based Real-Time Monitors
- pg_top: A command-line tool similar to Unix
top, providing real-time views of active sessions, CPU/memory usage, locks, and query performance. Install via sudo apt install pg-top (Debian/Ubuntu). Key features include filtering by user/database, sorting by CPU/memory, and viewing lock/wait events. Ideal for quick CLI-based troubleshooting.
- pg_activity: An interactive terminal monitor displaying active queries, connection stats, and lock information in a user-friendly format. Install with
sudo apt install pg-activity (Debian/Bullseye backports available). Best for DBAs who prefer terminal workflows over GUIs.
2. GUI/ Web-Based Comprehensive Monitors
- pgAdmin (Built-in Tools): A popular open-source GUI for PostgreSQL management that includes performance monitoring features. Use
pg_stat_activity (to track active queries/sessions), pg_stat_statements (to analyze query performance), and pg_stat_memory_contexts (to monitor memory usage). While not a standalone monitor, it’s a versatile tool for PostgreSQL admins already using pgAdmin.
- Signoz: An open-source Application Performance Management (APM) platform that integrates logs, metrics, and traces. Offers powerful filtering, aggregation, and privacy controls. Supports local deployment (no cloud required) and works seamlessly with PostgreSQL. Suitable for teams needing end-to-end observability.
- Sensu: An open-source monitoring tool for infrastructure and applications. Use plugins to monitor PostgreSQL metrics like connection counts, query latency, and disk usage. Requires setup of RabbitMQ, Redis, and the Sensu server, but offers flexibility for custom monitoring workflows.
- Zabbix: An enterprise-grade open-source monitoring solution that supports PostgreSQL through agents or plugins. Monitor server health, database performance, and network metrics. Provides alerting, visualization, and historical data analysis. Ideal for large-scale deployments.
3. Log & Historical Analysis Tools
- pgBadger: A log analyzer that generates detailed HTML reports from PostgreSQL logs. Tracks query performance, slow queries, and resource usage over time. Install via package managers or source, and configure PostgreSQL to log relevant events (e.g., slow queries). Perfect for historical performance analysis and identifying long-term trends.
- pgstatspack: A PostgreSQL-specific tool that captures performance snapshots (via
pg_stat_* tables) and compares them to identify changes. Stores data in a dedicated database for trend analysis. Useful for tracking performance over time and correlating changes with system updates.
Key Considerations When Choosing:
- Real-Time Needs: Use
pg_top or pg_activity for immediate insights.
- GUI Preference: Opt for pgAdmin (if already in use) or Signoz for a modern web interface.
- Historical Analysis: Deploy pgBadger or pgstatspack to track performance trends.
- Enterprise Scale: Choose Zabbix or Sensu for robust alerting and scalability.
All tools listed are compatible with Ubuntu and widely used in production environments. Select based on your specific monitoring requirements (real-time vs. historical, CLI vs. GUI) and infrastructure complexity.