DATABASES Signal 205
PDU: an open source PostgreSQL Data Unloader for full-database offline export and targeted WAL recovery
When a PostgreSQL instance won't start, standard SQL-based recovery tools become unavailable, leaving operators with limited options. PDU provides a direct file-level recovery path that doesn't modify the original data directory, offering a way to extract data even from corrupted catalogs or damaged files. Note: this is reported by only one feed.
Written by elseif from the cluster below · every claim links back to a sourceThe three things worth knowing
PDU reads PostgreSQL heap, TOAST, and WAL files directly without requiring the database to be running, supporting versions 14 through 18.
For accidental DELETE or UPDATE operations, PDU reconstructs row data from WAL records rather than relying on pre-VACUUM tuple remnants, with the recovery window determined by WAL availability.
Output is CSV format, enabling inspection of recovered data or loading into another PostgreSQL instance, and the tool explicitly positions itself as an emergency aid rather than a replacement for backups or PITR.
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