Re: Which parameters are only used on startup?

On Wed, Nov 26, 2025 at 09:34:18AM +0000, PG Doc comments form wrote:
> The following documentation comment has been logged on the website:
>
> Page: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/18/runtime-config-connection.html
> Description:
>
> Clarify that ssl_cert_file and ssl_key_file are only read on startup --
> implying that the params can be changed and the files moved to the new
> location/name without requiring a restart. Of course a restart is good to
> validate that the params and files are configured correctly.

The docs say that you can only change this in postgresql.conf or on the
command line. Changes to postgresql.conf requires pg_ctl reload or
something similar.

I am not aware of anyone else who thinks changing postgresql.conf and
then reloading causes the session to use new ssl keys/files, and
explaining that in the docs might be more confusing than helpful.

--
Bruce Momjian <bruce(at)momjian(dot)us> https://momjian.us
EDB https://enterprisedb.com

Do not let urgent matters crowd out time for investment in the future.