# PostgreSQL + pgvector

Vector retrieval alongside relational application data.

## Comparison target

Relational / Vector · Self-managed · Composition

PostgreSQL plus an installed and enabled pgvector extension; operator manages both.

Components: postgresql

Revision: 2026-09-14.1 · Review: unreviewed

Commissioned by a Nimbalyst maintainer. Documentation synthesis; no independent review or product execution.

## Applicability

Unpinned upstream documentation accessed 2026-09-14; pin engine, extension and service versions before use.. PostgreSQL plus an installed and enabled pgvector extension; operator manages both..

## Claims

- **yes · documented**: Uses Postgres SQL and joins. [pgvector README](https://github.com/pgvector/pgvector) Scope: Documented for this target; no runtime tests recorded.
- **yes · documented**: Supports exact vector-distance search. [pgvector README](https://github.com/pgvector/pgvector) Scope: Documented for this target; no runtime tests recorded.
- **yes · documented**: Provides HNSW and IVFFlat approximate indexes. [pgvector README](https://github.com/pgvector/pgvector) Scope: Documented for this target; no runtime tests recorded.
- **yes · documented**: Combines vector queries with SQL WHERE filtering. [pgvector README](https://github.com/pgvector/pgvector) Scope: Approximate-index filtering can reduce returned results; tune scan settings and verify recall.
- **yes · documented**: Retains Postgres transactional semantics. [pgvector README](https://github.com/pgvector/pgvector) Scope: Documented for this target; no runtime tests recorded.

## Open questions

- Which pinned versions, topology and service tier fit the intended workload?
- What are measured correctness, latency, recovery and total operating cost under that workload?

## Verification plan

1. Pin the target configuration and define workload fixtures, access and budget.
2. With authorization, test concurrent writes and recovery against explicit correctness expectations.
3. For vector workloads, measure filtered recall against an exact-search baseline and record index settings.

Last checked: 2026-09-14. Recheck by: 2026-10-14.

Content rights: Unlicensed prototype; redistribution decision pending.