https://www.postgresscripts.com/tags/bloat/Recent content in Bloat on Postgres ScriptsHugo -- gohugo.ioenPostgresScripts.comFri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.postgresscripts.com/post/detect-soft-delete-patterns-in-postgresql/Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://www.postgresscripts.com/post/detect-soft-delete-patterns-in-postgresql/ <h2 id="detecting-soft-delete-patterns-in-postgresql">Detecting Soft Delete Patterns in PostgreSQL</h2> <p>Soft deletes are a common application pattern. Instead of removing a row with a <code>DELETE</code> statement, the application marks it as deleted by setting a column — typically <code>deleted_at</code> — to a non-null timestamp. The row stays in the table forever. The application simply filters it out with a <code>WHERE deleted_at IS NULL</code> clause.</p> <p>This pattern is useful for audit trails, undo functionality, and referential integrity. It is also a significant source of problems for PostgreSQL DBAs who do not know it is in use.</p>