How to get help

PostgreSQL is well known for its extensive and accurate documentation. Moreover, the PostgreSQL community is very responsive and collaborative with regard to welcoming and helping new users. Typically, help is provided by the community via both Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels and mailing lists. Related projects often have their own IRC channels and mailing lists as well.

However, having channels through which we can ask for help does not mean that every question we ask will be answered. Bear in mind that the people behind the mailing lists or the IRC channels are often volunteering their own time. Therefore, before sending a question, be sure to have done your homework by reading the documentation and providing as much information as possible so that other people can replicate and test out your particular problem. This usually means providing a clear indicating of the version of PostgreSQL that you are running, the type and version of the OS that you are using, and a compact and complete SQL example to replicate your scenario. If you do this, you will be astonished at how quickly and accurately the community can help.