We cannot use the generic array_desc approach with per-tuple nbtree
posting list update metadata because array_desc can only deal with fixed
width elements (e.g., page offset numbers). Using array_desc led to
incorrect rmgr descriptions for updates from nbtree DELETE/VACUUM WAL
records.
To fix, add specialized code to describe the update metadata as array
elements in desc output. We now iterate over the update metadata using
an approach that matches related REDO routines.
Also stop showing the updates offset number array separately in nbtree
DELETE/VACUUM desc output. It's redundant information, since the same
page offset numbers appear in the description of each individual update
element. Also make some small tweaks to the way that we format arrays
in all desc routines (not just nbtree desc routines) to make arrays a
little less verbose.
Oversight in commit 1c453cfd, which enhanced the nbtree rmgr desc
routines.
Author: Peter Geoghegan <pg@bowt.ie>
Discussion: https://postgr.es/m/CAH2-WzkbYuvwYKm-Y-72QEh6SPMQcAo9uONv+mR3bMGcu9E_Cg@mail.gmail.com
Add helper functions that output arrays in a standard format, and use
the functions inside heapdesc routines. This allows tools like
pg_walinspect to show a detailed description of the page offset number
arrays for records like PRUNE and VACUUM (unless there was an FPI).
Also document the conventions that desc routines should follow. Only
the heapdesc routines follow the conventions for now, so they're just
guidelines for the time being.
Based on a suggestion from Andres Freund.
Author: Melanie Plageman <melanieplageman@gmail.com>
Reviewed-By: Peter Geoghegan <pg@bowt.ie>
Discussion: https://postgr.es/m/flat/20230109215842.fktuhesvayno6o4g%40awork3.anarazel.de