CREATE INDEX (Transaction Per Chunk)

CREATE INDEX ... WITH (timescaledb.transaction_per_chunk, ...);

This option extends [CREATE INDEX][postgres-createindex] with the ability to use a separate transaction for each chunk it creates an index on, instead of using a single transaction for the entire hypertable. This allows INSERTs, and other operations to be performed concurrently during most of the duration of the CREATE INDEX command. While the index is being created on an individual chunk, it functions as if a regular CREATE INDEX were called on that chunk, however other chunks are completely un-blocked.

tip

This version of CREATE INDEX can be used as an alternative to CREATE INDEX CONCURRENTLY, which is not currently supported on hypertables.

warning

If the operation fails partway through, indexes may not be created on all hypertable chunks. If this occurs, the index on the root table of the hypertable will be marked as invalid (this can be seen by running \d+ on the hypertable). The index will still work, and will be created on new chunks, but if you wish to ensure _all_ chunks have a copy of the index, drop and recreate it.

Sample Usage

Anonymous index

CREATE INDEX ON conditions(time, device_id) WITH (timescaledb.transaction_per_chunk);

Other index methods

CREATE INDEX ON conditions(time, location) USING brin
  WITH (timescaledb.transaction_per_chunk);