---
name: "checkpoint"
section: "7"
platform: "linux"
package: "postgresql"
version: "7.4.7-6sarge6"
release: "Debian 3.1 (Sarge)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/checkpoint"
---

# checkpoint(7)

force a transaction log checkpoint

## NAME

CHECKPOINT - force a transaction log checkpoint

## SYNOPSIS

```
CHECKPOINT

```

## DESCRIPTION

Write-Ahead Logging (WAL) puts a checkpoint in the transaction log every so often. (To adjust the automatic checkpoint interval, see the run-time configuration options checkpoint\_segments and checkpoint\_timeout.) The **CHECKPOINT** command forces an immediate checkpoint when the command is issued, without waiting for a scheduled checkpoint.

A checkpoint is a point in the transaction 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 the the chapter called \`\`Write-Ahead Logging'' in the documentation for more information about the WAL system.

Only superusers may call **CHECKPOINT**. The command is not intended for use during normal operation.

## COMPATIBILITY

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