{
  "slug": "rocksdb-write-slowdown",
  "term": "RocksDB write slowdown",
  "aliases": [
    "write slowdown (RocksDB)"
  ],
  "definition": "A RocksDB write slowdown is the rate-reduction state of write backpressure, distinct from a full write stop.",
  "note": "The delayed_write_rate setting uses bytes per second of user requests before compression, not device throughput; RocksDB can reduce the actual rate further. [write-options] For level-based compaction, memtable pressure, L0 file count and estimated compaction work are distinct trigger classes. [stall-code] Refusing to wait for backpressure does not select a stronger WAL or synchronization policy. [write-options]",
  "related": [
    "rocksdb-write-stall",
    "pending-compaction-bytes",
    "memtable",
    "compaction",
    "write-ahead-log"
  ],
  "citations": [
    {
      "id": "write-options",
      "title": "RocksDB v10.10.1. Delayed write rate and WriteOptions contracts.",
      "url": "https://github.com/facebook/rocksdb/blob/v10.10.1/include/rocksdb/options.h#L1160",
      "accessed": "2026-10-15"
    },
    {
      "id": "stall-code",
      "title": "RocksDB v10.10.1. ColumnFamilyData::GetWriteStallConditionAndCause.",
      "url": "https://github.com/facebook/rocksdb/blob/v10.10.1/db/column_family.cc#L986",
      "accessed": "2026-10-15"
    },
    {
      "id": "hesela",
      "title": "RocksDB: a WAL sync is not a memtable flush; write backpressure boundaries.",
      "url": "https://hesela.com/analyses/rocksdb-wal-flush-manifest-boundaries/#write-backpressure",
      "accessed": "2026-10-15"
    }
  ],
  "status": "shipping",
  "advantages": [],
  "limitations": [],
  "supersedes": [],
  "supersededBy": [],
  "firstSeen": null,
  "lastSeen": null,
  "updated": "2026-10-15"
}