# Fast Forking for PostgreSQL® on Azure NetApp Files

[Blog](/blog/)&gt;[Technology](/blog/category/technical/)&gt;Fast Forking for PostgreSQL® on Azure NetApp Files 

Fast Forking for PostgreSQL® on Azure NetApp Files
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May 13, 2024 | By [ Chris Carter](https://www.instaclustr.com/blog/author/christopher-carter/)

 

 

 

 



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### Introducing Fast Forking: A Game-Changer for PostgreSQL-ANF

NetApp is thrilled to announce the General Availability (GA) release of our latest feature, Fast Forking, for [PostgreSQL on Azure NetApp Files](https://www.instaclustr.com/blog/managed-postgresql-on-azure-netapp-files/) (ANF) on the Instaclustr Managed Platform. This innovative tool uses [ONTAP](https://www.netapp.com/data-management/ontap-data-management-software/) data forking to create a copy of your data and attach it to a new PostgreSQL instance in a matter of minutes. Fast Forking is set to revolutionize how you manage your database.

### The Power of Fast Forking

Fast Forking is the ability to duplicate databases quickly and accurately and is a critical requirement in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world. Whether you’re a data scientist needing to replicate databases for analysis, or a developer looking to test new features, you no longer have to wait hours (or days!) for the data to replicate into a test database.

With Fast Forking, you can now create an exact copy of your database in just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right! In the time it takes to enjoy a quick coffee break, you can have a precise replica of your database ready to go.

### Applications of Fast Forking

The potential applications of Fast Forking are vast and varied, but let’s focus on 2 key areas where it can truly shine: data science and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

#### Empowering Data Science Teams

Data scientists often require access to accurate, up-to-date data for their exploratory analysis, machine learning model training, and various other tasks.

With Fast Forking, data science teams can now have their own copies of the database, enabling them to work independently without affecting the production database. This not only reduces the risk of data contamination but also fosters an environment of innovation and experimentation.

#### Enhancing CI/CD Pipeline Integrations

Fast Forking is also a powerful [tool for developers](https://www.instaclustr.com/blog/how-to-improve-your-llm-accuracy-and-performance-with-pgvector-and-postgresql-introduction-to-embeddings-and-the-role-of-pgvector/) and DevOps teams. By integrating Fast Forking into your CI/CD pipeline, you can create copies of your database for testing new features or updates.

This allows for robust testing environments that mimic your production database, ensuring that any changes you make are tested exhaustively before being deployed. This can significantly reduce bugs, downtime, and other issues associated with new releases.

### Don’t Wait–Start Now!

Fast Forking is available to all PostgreSQL clusters running on ANF on the Instaclustr Managed Platform. This feature will be a game-changer in database management, providing unprecedented speed in database duplication.

Get started with Fast Forking on your [PostgreSQL-ANF cluster](https://www.instaclustr.com/blog/postgresql-on-anf-storage/) today simply by clicking on the backups and snapshots section on the Instaclustr console and experience the future of database management. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss in detail how ANF fast forking can work for you please [reach out](mailto:sales@instaclustr.com) and one of our experts will be in touch.

 

### About the author

**[Chris Carter](https://www.instaclustr.com/blog/author/christopher-carter/)** | Principal Product Manager

With extensive expertise in open source technologies, Chris drives innovation and excellence in the NetApp Instaclustr Managed Platform with a focus on Apache Kafka and Cassandra. With his passion for classical statistics and process improvement, Chris leverages his skills to ensure the integration of business strategy and direction into NetApp solutions.

 



 

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