Tag Archives: memory

Shared memory fix for PostgreSQL Mac installation

EnterpriseDB have kindly created a one-click installer for PostgreSQL, but unfortunately it doesn’t work out-of-the-box, at least not on my MacBook Pro. The problem is down to the amount of shared memory that is configured in OS X; by default it is 4Mb, and PostgreSQL requires 32Mb:

Postgres installer error

The error message suggests looking at the README file, which actually doesn’t exist. Luckily, there’s a simple fix; to increase the shared memory to the required 32Mb, create or edit the /etc/sysctl.conf file and include the following lines:

kern.sysv.shmall=8192
kern.sysv.shmseg=64
kern.sysv.shmmni=256
kern.sysv.shmmin=1
kern.sysv.shmmax=33554432

Reboot your machine for the settings to take effect, and re-launch the PostgreSQL installer which should now work as normal.

Glen Scott

I’m a freelance software developer with 18 years’ professional experience in web development. I specialise in creating tailor-made, web-based systems that can help your business run like clockwork. I am the Managing Director of Yellow Square Development.

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