Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I'm a PostgreSQL consultant and trainer at french company Loxodata since 2013. I first got in touch with PostgreSQL in 1999, while student, but didn't imagine how important this project would become. Since then, I've always have to manage PostgreSQL clusters, so I sometimes tell people that the elephant has chosen me.

Have you enjoyed previous pgconf.eu or FOSDEM conferences, either as attendee or as speaker?

I have attended all but the last pgconf.eu since 2013 in Dublin, but only came once for FOSDEM in 2015. It's always amazing to be there! I've tried a lightning talk in 2016, so this will be my first full talk.

What will your talk be about, exactly? Why this topic?

The talk will be about the WAL files, and their cycle of life.
While giving my first PostgreSQL training, I was asked to make a recap about the WAL, from their origin to their end. Then I wanted to make and share a diagram, but couldn't get the right presentation, so I actually decided to switch to a talk.

What is the audience for your talk?

Anyone who has to manage database or want to take a step back about the WAL can be interested.

What existing knowledge should the attendee have?

This is intented to be for everyone, so basic knowledge about databases will be sufficient.