PostgreSQL 8.4 Beta 2 released

The PostgreSQL Project has released the second beta of version 8.4 for 
community testing.  This beta release fixes a number of issues with the 
first 8.4 beta, especially issues with pg_standby, PL/pgSQL and encoding 
and collation handling.  We need all users to test 8.4 Beta 2 as soon as 
possible in order to speed the final release of the new version.

In order to improve the usability of pg_standby, we have added "fast" 
and "smart" mode switches to the utility.   This is an API change.  The 
"smart" mode ensures that all logs are applied for zero data loss, while 
the "fast" mode is similar to prior behavior.  The behavior of the 
trigger file has also changed.  Developers of PostgreSQL administration 
tools should modify them to support the new API.

Additionally, the following features and utilities were fixed or 
modified between Beta 1 and Beta 2. Please take time to test the 
functionality below to make certain the fixes behave as expected.

-- SQL/XML
-- PL/pgSQL
-- pg_bench
-- JOIN costing
-- Encoding and collation handling
-- SSL connections
-- psql \df
-- Unicode escapes
-- Parallel restore
-- pg_dumpall

For more information, see:  http://wiki.postgresql.org/wiki/84Beta2Changes

Beta Information Page:
     http://www.postgresql.org/developer/beta

Release Notes:
     http://developer.postgresql.org/pgdocs/postgres/release-8...

Source Code:
     http://www.postgresql.org/ftp/source/v8.4beta2/

The usual duration of the beta testing period for a new version of 
PostgreSQL is 6 weeks.  However, that time can vary significantly 
depending on what bugs our testing discovers.  The PostgreSQL project 
does not release until all significant known bugs are fixed.  Your help 
finding and fixing bugs will speed up the final release.

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