PostgreSQL and the OOM killer: Why we use strict memory overcommit

Software Development, Databases & Storage, OS & Low-Level Tech(ubicloud.com)view on HackerNews
PostgreSQLstrict memory overcommitOOM killerLinux kernelvm.overcommit_memoryvm.overcommit_kbytescommitted memoryCommitted_ASCommitLimit

Author: furkansahin

Date: 7/3/2026

Article Summary:
This article discusses the importance of strict memory overcommit in PostgreSQL to prevent catastrophic OOM (out of memory) kills, and explains how to configure it properly.