You can extend the functionality of PostgreSQL by installing a variety of extensions and
modules. For example, to work with spatial data you can install and use the PostGIS extension.
For more information, see Managing spatial data with the
PostGIS extension. As another example, if you want
to improve data entry for very large tables, you can consider partitioning your data by using
the pg_partman extension. To learn more, see Managing PostgreSQL partitions with the pg_partman extension.
Note
RDS for PostgreSQL supports Trusted Language Extensions for PostgreSQL through the pg_tle extension, which you
can add to your DB instance. By using this extension, developers can create their own
PostgreSQL extensions in a safe environment that simplifies the setup and configuration
requirements. To learn about RDS for PostgreSQL versions supporting pg_tle extension
and for more information, see Working with Trusted Language Extensions for PostgreSQL.
In some cases, rather than installing an extension, you might add a specific module to the
list of shared_preload_libraries in your RDS for PostgreSQL DB instance's custom DB
parameter group. Typically, the default DB cluster parameter group loads only the
pg_stat_statements, but several other modules are available to add to the list.
For example, you can add scheduling capability by adding the pg_cron module, as
detailed in Scheduling maintenance with the PostgreSQL pg_cron extension. As another
example, you can log query execution plans by loading the auto_explain module. To
learn more, see Logging execution plans of queries
Depending on your version of RDS for PostgreSQL, installing an extension might require
rds_superuser permissions, as follows:
-
For RDS for PostgreSQL versions 12 and earlier versions, installing extensions requires
rds_superuserprivileges. -
For RDS for PostgreSQL version 13 and higher versions, users (roles) with create permissions on a given database instance can install and use any trusted extensions. For a list of trusted extensions, see PostgreSQL trusted extensions.
You can also specify precisely which extensions can be installed on your RDS for PostgreSQL DB
instance, by listing them in the rds.allowed_extensions parameter. For more
information, see Restricting installation of PostgreSQL extensions.
To learn more about the rds_superuser role, see Understanding PostgreSQL roles and permissions.
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