PostgreSQL 7.4 Documentation
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# initlocation

## Name

initlocation -- create a secondary PostgreSQL database storage area

## Synopsis

`initlocation` directory

## Description

initlocation creates a new PostgreSQL secondary database storage area. See the discussion under CREATE DATABASE about how to manage and use secondary storage areas. If the argument does not contain a slash and is not valid as a path, it is assumed to be an environment variable, which is referenced. See the examples at the end.

In order to use this command you must be logged in (using `su`, for example) as the database superuser.

## Examples

To create a database in an alternate location, using an environment variable:

    $ export PGDATA2=/opt/postgres/data

Stop and start `postmaster` so it sees the `PGDATA2` environment variable. The system must be configured so the `postmaster` sees `PGDATA2` every time it starts. Finally:

    $ initlocation PGDATA2
    $ createdb -D PGDATA2 testdb

Alternatively, if you allow absolute paths you could write:

    $ initlocation /opt/postgres/data
    $ createdb -D /opt/postgres/data/testdb testdb

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