-<!-- $Header: /cvsroot/pgsql/doc/src/sgml/installation.sgml,v 1.37 2001/02/17 16:52:53 tgl Exp $ -->
+<!-- $Header: /cvsroot/pgsql/doc/src/sgml/installation.sgml,v 1.38 2001/02/19 22:25:43 tgl Exp $ -->
<chapter id="installation">
<title><![%flattext-install-include[<productname>PostgreSQL</>]]> Installation Instructions</title>
<para>
Compiles all programs and libraries with debugging symbols.
This means that you can run the programs through a debugger
- to analyze problems. This option is not recommended for
- production use.
+ to analyze problems. This enlarges the size of the installed
+ executables considerably, and on non-gcc compilers it usually
+ also disables compiler optimization, causing slowdowns. However,
+ having the symbols available is extremely helpful for dealing
+ with any problems that may arise. Currently, this option is
+ considered of marginal value for production installations, but
+ you should have it on if you are doing development work or
+ running a beta version.
+ </para>
+ </listitem>
+ </varlistentry>
+
+ <varlistentry>
+ <term>--enable-cassert</term>
+ <listitem>
+ <para>
+ Enables <firstterm>assertion</> checks in the server, which test for
+ many <quote>can't happen</> conditions. This is invaluable for
+ code development purposes, but the tests slow things down a little.
+ Also, having the tests turned on won't necessarily enhance the
+ stability of your server! The assertion checks are not categorized
+ for severity, and so what might be a relatively harmless bug will
+ still lead to postmaster restarts if it triggers an assertion
+ failure. Currently, this option is not recommended for
+ production use, but you should have it on for development work
+ or when running a beta version.
</para>
</listitem>
</varlistentry>