How to Reset a Database in Amazon Redshift (PostgreSQL)

How do I reset (drop and recreate) a database in Amazon Redshift?

Resetting a Redshift database means dropping it (and all objects) and recreating it from scratch, optionally forcing any remaining sessions to disconnect.

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Description

When should I reset my Redshift database?

Use a reset when test data has grown messy, bulk-load jobs failed, or you need a clean slate before a production back-fill. A reset is destructive, so always verify backups first.

How do I force-drop a Redshift database?

Run DROP DATABASE dbname WITH (FORCE); in the dev database or another session. The FORCE option closes all remaining connections so the drop can succeed.

What is the safest reset workflow?

1️⃣ Take a snapshot. 2️⃣ Terminate user sessions with SELECT pg_terminate_backend(). 3️⃣ Drop the database with FORCE. 4️⃣ Recreate the database and restore required schemas or run migration scripts.

Can I reset only specific schemas?

Yes. Inside the target database run DROP SCHEMA myschema CASCADE; followed by CREATE SCHEMA myschema;. This avoids touching other schemas.

How do I automate resets in CI pipelines?

Wrap the DROP DATABASE ... WITH (FORCE) and CREATE DATABASE ... statements in a SQL script executed by the Redshift Data API or psql. Gate the script behind an environment variable such as ALLOW_DB_RESET=true.

Best practices before running DROP DATABASE

• Export critical tables with UNLOAD to S3.
• Confirm no ETL is still writing.
• Use parameterized scripts to avoid hard-coding database names.

What happens to dependent objects?

All tables, views, functions, and privileges disappear. Reapply grants and create extension-like objects after the new database is created.

How long does a reset take?

The DROP DATABASE itself is fast because metadata is removed instantly. Restoring data (COPY, UNLOAD → COPY-back) is the time-consuming step.

Why How to Reset a Database in Amazon Redshift (PostgreSQL) is important

How to Reset a Database in Amazon Redshift (PostgreSQL) Example Usage


-- CI pipeline reset for nightly tests
BEGIN;
DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS ecommerce WITH (FORCE);
CREATE DATABASE ecommerce;
-- Switch into the fresh database and seed lookup data
\c ecommerce;
INSERT INTO Products (name, price, stock) VALUES
  ('Galaxy Hoodie', 49.99, 120),
  ('Galaxy Sticker Pack', 4.99, 1000);
COMMIT;

How to Reset a Database in Amazon Redshift (PostgreSQL) Syntax


-- Drop and recreate a database in Amazon Redshift
-- Execute from a different database (e.g., dev)
DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS ecommerce WITH (FORCE);
CREATE DATABASE ecommerce;

-- (Optional) Reconnect and recreate schemas
\c ecommerce;

-- Example: Recreate core ecommerce tables
CREATE TABLE Customers (
    id INT IDENTITY PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(255),
    email VARCHAR(255),
    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT GETDATE()
);
CREATE TABLE Orders (
    id INT IDENTITY PRIMARY KEY,
    customer_id INT REFERENCES Customers(id),
    order_date DATE,
    total_amount NUMERIC(10,2)
);
CREATE TABLE Products (
    id INT IDENTITY PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(255),
    price NUMERIC(10,2),
    stock INT
);
CREATE TABLE OrderItems (
    id INT IDENTITY PRIMARY KEY,
    order_id INT REFERENCES Orders(id),
    product_id INT REFERENCES Products(id),
    quantity INT
);

Common Mistakes

Running DROP DATABASE from inside the same database. This fails because your session holds a connection. Switch to another database like dev before executing the drop.
Forgetting the WITH (FORCE) clause. Active client sessions or ETL jobs prevent the drop, causing hangs. Add WITH (FORCE) or manually terminate sessions first.