Re: [GENERAL] Feature request (was psql: absolutes and toggles) - Mailing list pgsql-hackers

Dropping -general.

On Sep 14, 2006, at 5:33 PM, Steve Crawford wrote:
> I would like the ability to absolutely set parameters/settings in psql
> so that our psql scripts could generate predictable output absent a
> known or controllable initial state. Original discussion at bottom of
> message.
>
> One alternate and easier approach I've thought of is to simply add
> something akin to a \factory-reset meta-command which would return all
> settings to the state they would be in immediately after starting psql
> with the --no-psqlrc option. This would at least provide one  
> solution to
> the problem and might be a handy meta-command even if absolute  
> settings
> were added.
>
> If a "factory reset" meta-command were added I think that \o should be
> exempted as it is already an absolute setting that can be predictably
> used in scripts and, where output redirection isn't specified in the
> script, we shouldn't interfere with the ability to save the output  
> of a
> script or scripts as the user desires.

I remember some discussion about a connection-level reset, but I  
don't think it would apply to psql.

Another way to deal with this would be to add a command that allows  
you to definitively set any setting, ie:

\set timing = on

I can see value in both options.

BTW, it probably wouldn't be terribly difficult to figure out how to  
do the \set option. You'd have to see how commands 'plug in' to the  
interface (just look at any other command as an example, preferably  
one that takes an option), and see how options are actually set (ie:  
look at \timing). Coming up with a partial patch and asking for help  
is likely to get this done a lot sooner than just sticking it on the  
TODO.

> Peter Eisentraut wrote:
>> Steve Crawford wrote:
>>> We create psql scripts that can be used at various times by various
>>> users. I have been unable to find how to absolutely set various
>>> options (timing, expanded, etc.) rather than toggle them.
>
>>> The --no-psqlrc option provides a partial workaround - as long as
>>> the user remembers to include it and as long as they are only
>>> running the one script. But if they forget or if they are already
>>> running a session there is no telling what settings have been
>>> toggled by previously run scripts or the users themselves.
>
>>> So...have I overlooked an interactive psql option that will let me
>>> reset all options to "factory-defaults" or a method of specifying an
>>> absolute setting to the various options?
>>
>> Probably not.
>>
>>> If not, do psql users out there feel this is worth a feature  
>>> request?
>>
>> I think so.
>>
>
>
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--
Jim Nasby                                    jimn@enterprisedb.com
EnterpriseDB      http://enterprisedb.com      512.569.9461 (cell)