The PostgreSQL project has expanded its binary package repository to include Loongson loong64, a Chinese processor architecture. The build host, a Loongson 3B6000 board, was provided by the loongfans.cn community, and the bootstrapping of the PostgreSQL packages was completed earlier this month. Everything is now in place for developers to use apt.postgresql.org on this architecture, with the exception of the GIS stack.
Key changes include:
- New architecture support: loong64 is now available as a supported architecture on
apt.postgresql.org, complementing existing architectures likeamd64,arm64, andppc64el. - Package availability: Core PostgreSQL packages, including
postgresql-16,postgresql-15, and other major versions, are now installable on loong64 systems via the standard APT repository. - Build infrastructure: The build host uses a Loongson 3B6000 board, a dual-processor system based on the LoongArch instruction set architecture (ISA), which is the foundation of the loong64 port.
- GIS caveat: The GIS stack—comprising PostGIS, pgRouting, MobilityDB, and pgsql-ogr-fdw—is not yet available for loong64. These packages are waiting for the next PostGIS release, which will likely introduce compatible builds.
For developers, this is a significant step toward broader platform diversity. The loong64 architecture is increasingly used in Chinese domestic hardware and cloud environments, particularly in government and enterprise sectors. By providing precompiled binaries, PostgreSQL reduces the friction of adopting loong64, eliminating the need for manual compilation and enabling faster deployment. The exception for GIS tools means that developers relying on spatial extensions should monitor the release cycle of PostGIS; until then, they may need to build those extensions from source or use alternative architectures.
This move aligns with PostgreSQL’s commitment to supporting a wide range of platforms, making it a viable choice for developers targeting emerging architectures. As the loong64 ecosystem matures, we can expect further optimizations and a broader package selection.
Source: https://www.postgresql.org/about/news/loongson-loong64-packages-on-aptpostgresqlorg-3351/