How to Enable Debug Logging in Pgcli
Pgcli is a fast, modern PostgreSQL client with autocomplete and syntax highlighting. But when something breaks, speed alone is not enough. You need visibility. Pgcli debug logging access lets you capture what’s happening under the hood, with exact command flow and connection events.
How to Enable Debug Logging in Pgcli
- Inspect runtime behavior:
The log file will reveal connection parameters, query timing, autocompletion results, and cursor events. This helps isolate query performance issues or command parsing bugs.
Increase log level:
Pgcli uses Python’s logging system. To get more detail, export:
export PGCLI_LOG_LEVEL=DEBUG
Higher levels like WARN or ERROR narrow the output; DEBUG shows it all.
Use the --log flag:
Start Pgcli with:
pgcli --log=/path/to/logfile
This writes all debug output into the specified file.
Common Debug Logging Uses
- Tracking failed connections and authentication attempts
- Measuring latency between query submission and response
- Inspecting SQL generated by Pgcli’s autocomplete engine
- Auditing session activity for compliance or review
Best Practices
Store logs in a secure directory with correct permissions. Rotate log files to avoid large disk usage. Mask sensitive credentials before sharing logs outside your local environment. Use a focused time window for debugging to reduce noise in output.
Pgcli debug logging access is not just a support trick—it’s a live instrument panel you can read in real time. Once enabled, every interaction becomes traceable and the invisible becomes actionable.
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