Force client disconnect using PostgreSQL

Question

Is there a way to force clients to disconnect from PostgreSQL? I\'m looking for the equivlent of DB2\'s force application all.

I\'d like to do this on my development

Answer 1

This SO answer beautifully explains (full quote from araqnid between the horizontal rules, then me again):

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To mark database 'applogs' as not accepting new connections:

update pg_database set datallowconn = false where datname = 'applogs';

Another possibility would be to revoke 'connect' access on the database for the client role(s).

Disconnect users from database = kill backend. So to disconnect all other users from "applogs" database, for example:

select pg_terminate_backend(procpid)
from pg_stat_activity
where datname = 'applogs' and procpid <> pg_backend_pid();

Once you've done both of those, you are the only user connected to 'applogs'. Although there might actually be a delay before the backends actually finish disconnecting?

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Update from MarkJL: There is indeed a delay before the backends finish disconnecting.

Now me again: That being said, mind that the procpid column was renamed to pid in PostgreSQL 9.2 and later.

I think that this is much more helpful than the answer by Milen A. Radev which, while technically the same, does not come with usage examples and real-life suggestions.