The latest release of open source database PostgreSQL hit Monday, packing a claimed record number of new and improved features. That means 280 patches.

Version 8.3 of the sturdy alternative to MySQL has been re-worked for developers, DBAs and users with improvements targeting performance and maintenance.

Among the changes, Heap Only Tuples (HOT) that may cut the maintenance overhead of frequently updated tables by up to 75 per cent, spread checkpoints and background writer autotuning to reduce the impact of check points on response times, and an asynchronous commit option that also speeds the response times of certain transactions.

The PostgreSQL Global Development Group claims these changes contribute to an overall boost in transaction processing output of between five and thirty percent - depending on workload, naturally.

Developers get treated to ANSI-standard SQL-XML support, improved search and support for new data types.

The full list of all features in version 8.3 can be found here (http://www.postgresql.org/about/press/features83), source code is here (http://www.postgresql.org/ftp/source/v8.3.0/), binaries here (http://www.postgresql.org/ftp/binary/v8.3.0/), and other bits and bobs here (http://pgfoundry.org/).

The release comes as Sun Microsystems begins to digest MySQL, while also offering a distribution of PostgreSQL with Solaris. Sun software executive vice president Rich Green gave his blessing to PostgreSQL 8.3, calling the database an "impressive new release" the he encourages customers to explore.®

Related stories

Solaris update woos elderly apps (25 April 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/25/sun_solaris_10_5_08/
Sun may shut off high-end MySQL features (17 April 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/17/sun_closed_source_mysql/
MySQL chief recommits to Linux under Sun (16 April 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/16/mickos_mysql_solaris/
MySQL to fortify defenses with Citadel (16 April 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/16/mysql_development_roadmap/
IBM chips into EnterpriseDB love fund (25 March 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/03/25/enterprisedb_ibm_investment_dev_updates/
SugarCRM goes folksy with Mickos philosophy (21 February 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/21/sugarcrm_knitting/
Server sales drive Sun's MySQL strategy (7 February 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/07/sun_mysql_fake/
US Army struggles with Windows to Linux overhaul (5 February 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/05/us_army_linux_integration/
EnterpriseDB goes large on simplicity (30 January 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/30/enterprisedb_restructuring_developers/
Database gurus slammed for Google post (24 January 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/24/stonebraker_dewitt_mapreduce/
Meet the world's premier open source vendor - Sun (16 January 2008)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/16/sun_mysql_open_source/
Sun packs out Solaris developer support (26 September 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/09/26/sun_solaris_developer_subscription_support/
EnterpriseDB chases Oracle and MySQL on Web 2.0 (10 August 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/10/enteprisedb_web_developers_oracle/
Sun dims LAMP, AMPS up Solaris (14 February 2007)
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/02/14/solaris_plus_amp/