---
title: "pgroll PostgreSQL Zero-Downtime Schema Migration"
description: "pgroll is an open-source CLI tool by Xata that performs zero-downtime, reversible schema migrations for PostgreSQL. It uses the expand-and-contract pattern to keep old and new schema versions running simultaneously with automatic backfilling and instant rollback."
verification: "security_reviewed"
source: "https://github.com/xataio/pgroll"
category:
  - "Developer Tools"
framework:
  - "Custom Agents"
tool_ecosystem:
  github_repo: "xataio/pgroll"
  github_stars: 6408
---

# pgroll PostgreSQL Zero-Downtime Schema Migration

pgroll is an open-source CLI tool by Xata that performs zero-downtime, reversible schema migrations for PostgreSQL. It uses the expand-and-contract pattern to keep old and new schema versions running simultaneously with automatic backfilling and instant rollback.

## Installation

Choose whichever fits your setup:

1. Copy this skill folder into your local skills directory.
2. Clone the repo and symlink or copy the skill into your agent workspace.
3. Add the repo as a git submodule if you manage shared skills centrally.
4. Install it through your internal provisioning or packaging workflow.
5. Download the folder directly from GitHub and place it in your skills collection.

## Source

- [Agent Skill Exchange](https://agentskillexchange.com/skills/pgroll-postgresql-zero-downtime-schema-migration/)