Question 1

pg_kafka vs Debezium for PostgreSQL change data capture

Accepted Answer

pg_kafka uses trigger-based streaming, which is simpler but adds database overhead, while Debezium uses logical decoding for non-intrusive, high-performance CDC with features like schema evolution and snapshots. Choose pg_kafka for lightweight, SQL-centric setups and Debezium for robust, enterprise-grade pipelines.

Question 2

How to set up pg_kafka with triggers in PostgreSQL?

Accepted Answer

Install the extension via CREATE EXTENSION, insert broker details into kafka.broker, create a trigger function that calls kafka.produce() with row data, and attach it to your table for INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE events. Refer to the README for compilation and configuration steps.

Question 3

Is pg_kafka suitable for high-traffic databases?

Accepted Answer

Likely not, as trigger-based messaging can introduce latency and performance overhead on write-heavy tables. For high-throughput systems, consider CDC tools like logical decoding plugins that operate outside transaction paths.

Question 4

Does pg_kafka support Kafka SSL authentication?

Accepted Answer

The README doesn't mention SSL or security features, focusing on basic broker connectivity. You'd need to check librdkafka configuration or project updates for advanced Kafka client settings, which may be limited in this early version.

Question 5

Can pg_kafka handle schema changes in PostgreSQL tables?

Accepted Answer

No built-in support for schema evolution; messages include row data as defined at trigger creation, so manual updates are needed if table structures change. This contrasts with CDC tools that adapt to schema modifications automatically.

Question 6

What happens if Kafka is down when pg_kafka tries to send a message?

Accepted Answer

The extension likely fails silently or causes transaction errors, as there's no mention of retry logic or queuing. This risk makes it less reliable for critical systems compared to CDC solutions with durability guarantees.

Question 7

How to monitor message production with pg_kafka?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring isn't covered in the README; you'd need to rely on PostgreSQL logs or external tools. For better observability, consider integrated CDC platforms that provide metrics and dashboards out of the box.

pg-kafka

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