Re: [HACKERS] initdb should create a warning message [was Re:

On Sun, 2003-11-30 at 23:18, Neil Conway wrote:
> Oliver Elphick <olly(at)lfix(dot)co(dot)uk> writes:
> > The use of the word "log" in the directory name does tend to invite
> > this error, and some have acted on it without asking first. I think
> > initdb should put a README.IMPORTANT file in $PGDATA to say [...]
>
> If someone deletes something from $PGDATA without understanding what
> it is, they deserve what they get.

People have a distressing tendency to want to shoot themselves in the
foot; and the somewhat unfortunate naming of those files contributes to
the problem. While it is satisfying to see stupidity properly rewarded,
it is more neighbourly at least to attempt to protect a fool from his
folly. It is also kinder to those who may be depending on him for the
protection of their data.

> I do agree that we could stand to document the purpose of pg_clog
> and pg_xlog more clearly. However, this information belongs in the
> standard documentation, not scattered throughout $PGDATA.

Then it needs to be stated very prominently. But the place to put a
sign saying "Dangerous cliff edge" is beside the path that leads along
it.

--
Oliver Elphick Oliver(dot)Elphick(at)lfix(dot)co(dot)uk
Isle of Wight, UK http://www.lfix.co.uk/oliver
GPG: 1024D/3E1D0C1C: CA12 09E0 E8D5 8870 5839 932A 614D 4C34 3E1D 0C1C
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