How to List ParadeDB Databases in PostgreSQL

Galaxy Glossary

How do I list every ParadeDB database in PostgreSQL?

The command lists every database handled by ParadeDB on your PostgreSQL server.

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Description

Example H2

Example H3

Why would I need to list ParadeDB databases?

Audit tasks, migration planning, and permission reviews often require a quick inventory of all ParadeDB-managed databases. Listing them helps confirm that expected environments—such as ecommerce_prod and ecommerce_dev—exist before you run schema changes.

What is the quickest way to see all databases?

Inside psql, use the meta-command \l (or \list) to display every database, including those created by ParadeDB.Add + for size and owner details.

How do I query the system catalog directly?

Run SELECT datname FROM pg_database WHERE datallowconn; to fetch names only. ParadeDB databases appear alongside regular ones, letting you filter or aggregate results.

Can I filter ParadeDB databases by naming convention?

If you suffix ParadeDB databases with _parade, append AND datname LIKE '%\_parade' to the catalog query.This pattern keeps the command extension-agnostic.

How do I integrate the list into automation?

Wrap the catalog query in a Bash script using psql -tAc. Your CI/CD pipeline can then confirm that ecommerce_prod exists before running migrations on tables like Orders or Products.

Best practice: limit access

Grant CONNECT on each ParadeDB database only to roles that really need it.Over-permissive access can expose customer data contained in tables such as Customers.

Best practice: name consistently

Use predictable names—e.g., shop_parade_prod, shop_parade_stage—so listing commands return an organized, sortable list.

Why How to List ParadeDB Databases in PostgreSQL is important

How to List ParadeDB Databases in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Confirm ParadeDB database before copying Orders data
SELECT datname
FROM pg_database
WHERE datname = 'ecommerce_prod_parade';

How to List ParadeDB Databases in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- psql meta-command
\l[+]

-- SQL catalog query
SELECT datname
FROM pg_database
WHERE datallowconn
  -- Optional: isolate ParadeDB databases
  AND datname LIKE '%_parade';

Common Mistakes

Using \l in a restricted role. psql returns an empty set when the connected role lacks CONNECT privilege on databases. Fix by granting CONNECT or running the command as a superuser.
Filtering incorrectly with LIKE '%parade' (missing underscore escape). Use LIKE '%\_parade' or a regex to avoid matching non-ParadeDB databases.