How to Reset a Database in PostgreSQL

How do I reset the ParadeDB database in PostgreSQL?

Resetting a PostgreSQL database means dropping the database, recreating it, and optionally re-importing schema and seed data to return it to a clean state.

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Description

Why would I reset a PostgreSQL database?

Resetting removes corrupted data, clears test data before production, or re-creates a clean sandbox for developers. It is faster than deleting rows table-by-table.

What must happen before the reset?

All active connections must be terminated; PostgreSQL refuses to drop a database with active sessions. Use pg_terminate_backend() or DROP DATABASE ...FORCE (v16+).

How do I disconnect users safely?

Run
SELECT pg_terminate_backend(pid)FROM pg_stat_activityWHERE datname = 'ParadeDB' AND pid <> pg_backend_pid();
This keeps your own session alive while closing others.

What is the exact syntax to drop and recreate?

Standard approach:
DROP DATABASE [IF EXISTS] ParadeDB;CREATE DATABASE ParadeDB WITH OWNER = current_user TEMPLATE = template0 ENCODING = 'UTF8';

How do I reset ParadeDB in one transaction?

PostgreSQL disallows DROP DATABASE inside a transaction block. Execute commands individually or via a shell script.

Can I use DROP DATABASE ...FORCE?

From PostgreSQL 16 onward:
DROP DATABASE ParadeDB WITH (FORCE);
FORCE auto-terminates all sessions, simplifying resets on busy servers.

How can I reseed schema and sample ecommerce data?

After recreating ParadeDB, connect and run your DDL/seed script. Example:
\c ParadeDBCREATE TABLE Customers( id serial PRIMARY KEY, name text, email text, created_at timestamptz DEFAULT now());INSERT INTO Customers(name,email)VALUES ('Alice','alice@example.com');

What are best practices after a reset?

Re-grant roles, rebuild extensions, run migrations, and verify that applications reconnect. Automate these steps in CI/CD to avoid manual errors.

Why How to Reset a Database in PostgreSQL is important

How to Reset a Database in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Reset ParadeDB and reload ecommerce schema
SELECT pg_terminate_backend(pid)
FROM pg_stat_activity
WHERE datname = 'ParadeDB' AND pid <> pg_backend_pid();

DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS ParadeDB;
CREATE DATABASE ParadeDB WITH OWNER = current_user;

\c ParadeDB
-- Re-create tables
CREATE TABLE Customers(id serial PRIMARY KEY, name text, email text, created_at timestamptz);
CREATE TABLE Orders(id serial PRIMARY KEY, customer_id int REFERENCES Customers(id), order_date date, total_amount numeric);
CREATE TABLE Products(id serial PRIMARY KEY, name text, price numeric, stock int);
CREATE TABLE OrderItems(id serial PRIMARY KEY, order_id int REFERENCES Orders(id), product_id int REFERENCES Products(id), quantity int);
-- Seed a test customer
INSERT INTO Customers(name,email) VALUES ('Alice','alice@example.com');

How to Reset a Database in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- Terminate connections (≤v15)
SELECT pg_terminate_backend(pid)
FROM pg_stat_activity
WHERE datname = 'ParadeDB' AND pid <> pg_backend_pid();

-- Drop database
DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS ParadeDB;
-- or (v16+)
DROP DATABASE ParadeDB WITH (FORCE);

-- Recreate database
CREATE DATABASE ParadeDB
    WITH OWNER = current_user
         TEMPLATE = template0
         ENCODING = 'UTF8';

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to terminate active sessions. PostgreSQL blocks DROP DATABASE when users are connected. Always run pg_terminate_backend() or use DROP DATABASE ... FORCE (v16+) first.
Omitting role and privilege re-grants after recreation. Newly created databases inherit default privileges only; re-apply GRANT or your applications will fail authorization.