Temporal Table Implementation in PostgreSQL

Last updated on February 07, 2024

Crafting system-versioned tables in PostgreSQL can be a significant enhancement for developers seeking to improve their data version control practices. As of now, PostgreSQL has not natively integrated this feature in line with the SQL:2011 standard, which leaves many developers yearning for more robust temporal features. Despite extensive discussions among the PostgreSQL community, the past year has not seen progress on an official front.

However, innovation doesn't halt in the face of limitations. The solution, although not provided out-of-the-box, can be constructed through the astute application of PostgreSQL's powerful functionality. By utilising a combination of three meticulously crafted triggers and a well-designed index, we can emulate system-versioned tables within PostgreSQL.

This approach offers a feasible method for those working with managed PostgreSQL instances on cloud services like Azure or AWS, where native support for popular temporal extensions is absent. By implementing these strategies, developers can maintain the integrity and historical accuracy of their databases in environments that otherwise do not offer built-in support for such temporal features.