---
name: "CHECKPOINT"
section: "7"
platform: "linux"
package: "postgresql"
version: "18.6-4"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/CHECKPOINT"
---

# CHECKPOINT(7)

force a write-ahead log checkpoint

## NAME

CHECKPOINT - force a write-ahead log checkpoint

## SYNOPSIS

```
CHECKPOINT
```

## DESCRIPTION

A checkpoint is a point in the write-ahead log sequence at which all data files have been updated to reflect the information in the log. All data files will be flushed to disk. Refer to Section 28.5 for more details about what happens during a checkpoint.

The **CHECKPOINT** command forces an immediate checkpoint when the command is issued, without waiting for a regular checkpoint scheduled by the system (controlled by the settings in Section 19.5.2). **CHECKPOINT** is not intended for use during normal operation.

If executed during recovery, the **CHECKPOINT** command will force a restartpoint (see Section 28.5) rather than writing a new checkpoint.

Only superusers or users with the privileges of the pg\_checkpoint role can call **CHECKPOINT**.

## COMPATIBILITY

The **CHECKPOINT** command is a PostgreSQL language extension.