Recently a client was confused because there was a substantial difference between the reported table_len of a table and the sum of the corresponding tuple_len, dead_tuple_len and free_space. The docs are fairly silent on this point, and I agree that in the absence of explanation it is confusing, so I propose that we add a clarification note along the lines of:


   The table_len will always be greater than the sum of the tuple_len,
   dead_tuple_len and free_space. The difference is accounted for by
   page overhead and space that is not free but cannot be attributed to
   any particular tuple.


Or perhaps we should be more explicit and refer to the item pointers on the page.


Thoughts?


cheers


andrew



--
Sent via pgsql-hackers mailing list (pgsql-hackers@postgresql.org)
To make changes to your subscription:
http://www.postgresql.org/mailpref/pgsql-hackers

Reply via email to