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What is the VACUUM operation in PostgreSQL?

Junior PostgreSQL
Quick Answer VACUUM reclaims storage from dead tuples created by PostgreSQL's MVCC - rows that were deleted or updated but not yet physically removed. Dead tuples occupy space and slow down queries. VACUUM marks space as reusable (doesn't shrink file). VACUUM ANALYZE also updates query planner statistics. Autovacuum runs automatically. Run manually if autovacuum is falling behind on high-traffic tables.

Answer

VACUUM removes dead tuples, reclaims storage, improves performance, and prevents transaction ID wraparound.
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