[Ideas] Upgrade PostgreSQL 14 base from 14.4 to 14.20 for Cloudberry main branch #1565

Description

Currently Apache Cloudberry is based on PostgreSQL 14.4. Meanwhile, PostgreSQL has released multiple minor updates and the latest version in the 14.x series is 14.20 (released on Nov 11, 2025).

While the community is working on the major upgrade from PostgreSQL 14 to PostgreSQL 16 (which is a large and challenging effort), I would like to propose upgrading the PostgreSQL 14 base version from 14.4 to 14.20 in Cloudberry main branch.

This proposal is not intended to replace the PostgreSQL 16 upgrade roadmap, but to provide an incremental and low-risk improvement path for users in the meantime.

Use case/motivation

Motivation

• PostgreSQL 14.20 contains numerous bug fixes, stability improvements, and security patches compared to 14.4.
• Between 14.4 and 14.20, there are more than 1,000+ (1352) commits, many of which address correctness and security issues that Cloudberry users may benefit from.
• Currently, some fixes are being cherry-picked manually, which is helpful but does not scale well and may miss important patches.

Expected Benefits

• Provide Cloudberry users with a more secure and stable PostgreSQL 14 base.
• Reduce the maintenance burden of manually cherry-picking upstream patches.
• Deliver improvements earlier, without waiting for the PostgreSQL 16 migration to complete.
• Maintain a relatively low-risk upgrade path, as this is still within the PostgreSQL 14 major version.

Related issues

There is ongoing work and discussion about upgrading Cloudberry from PostgreSQL 14 to PostgreSQL 16. This proposal is complementary and aims to improve the current PostgreSQL 14-based branch while the major upgrade is in progress.

Are you willing to submit a PR?

• Yes I am willing to submit a PR!