PostgreSQL 8.0.0 Documentation

pg_ctl

Description
pg_ctl is a utility for starting, stopping, or restarting the PostgreSQL 
backend server (postmaster), or displaying the status of a running server. 
Although the server can be started manually,  pg_ctl encapsulates tasks 
such as redirecting log output and properly detaching from the terminal 
and process group . It also provides convenient options for 
controlled shutdown.