Dive into PostgreSQL: a powerful open source relational database system. Learn its advanced features and how it powers complex data management solutions.
PostgreSQL is not the open source database you are thinking of. In fact, the database that comes to mind most is MySQL. But any company looking to harness the power of relational databases would be remiss if they didn't consider this specific platform.
PostgreSQL (often just called Postgres) is a relational database built around the idea of being as SQL-compatible as possible. Along with this, the developers focused on creating a highly extensible database, so that it can be used for countless applications, connect to virtually any type of API, and work across multiple platforms.
PostgreSQL began as a successor to the Ingres database, developed at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1996, the project officially took on the name PostgreSQL and has been in active development ever since.
As a relational database, PostgreSQL can help power any number of applications and services. And like some competitors (like MySQL), PostgreSQL can not only be deployed on Linux, but also on macOS and Windows.
What is a relational database?
Before we delve into PostgreSQL, let's first define relational databases. The relational database was created around the relational date model, proposed in 1970 by EF Codd. A relational database can be defined as a collection of information that uses organized data with defined relationships. Data structures, which are composed of data tables, indexes, and views, remain separate from storage structures, thus allowing database administrators to edit the data store without impacting the logical data structure.
Tables, also known as relationships, are made up of columns that, in turn, contain one or more categories of data. Rows, also known as table records, contain a set of data defined by a category. Tables can be linked, or related , to each other based on common data. By creating these relationships, it is possible for administrators and users to retrieve a new table from data stored in multiple tables using a single SQL query.
PostgreSQL Features
PostgreSQL includes several important features, which should be marked by many database administrators. Some of them include:
- open code
- Free to use
- SQL Compatible
- Cross-platform
- Compatible with numerous programming languages
- Supports data integrity
- Supports multiple data types
- Extensible
- Safe
- Supports synchronous, asynchronous and logical replication
Additionally, PostgreSQL makes it easier for administrators to work in the database console, and there are even several GUI tools to make the task more efficient. However, most administrators will want to abandon the GUI in favor of using the SQL query language, where the real power lies.
What languages can work with PostgreSQL?
Obviously, you will need to learn the SQL query language, as this is how you create and manage databases with PostgreSQL. Without knowing SQL, you wouldn't get very far with any relational database.
In addition to SQL, there are several programming languages that can interact with PostgreSQL. These languages include:
- .LIQUID
- W
- C++
- Delphi
- Java
- JavaScript (via Node.js)
- Perl
- PHP
- Phyton
- Tcl
Where can you use PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL can be deployed on multiple platforms. Of course, you can install it on a server that resides in your local data center. There are also cloud-based hosting providers that support PostgreSQL, such as the big three Amazon AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. But if the cloud host of your choice supports Linux as a virtual machine, you can be sure that PostgreSQL can be deployed.
One very impressive thing about PostgreSQL is that it performs equally well when deployed in the cloud and on-premises. So no matter how you plan to use PostgreSQL, know that it will perform very well.
Tools you can use with PostgreSQL
You are not limited to just the PostgreSQL psql console when you want to use the SQL query language. There are several open source tools you can employ to make PostgreSQL easier and more powerful. These tools include:
- phpPgAdmin A web-based GUI tool for administering your PostgreSQL databases.
- pgAdmin Another GUI for administering PostgreSQL, which can be run as a web-based or desktop application.
- PgFouine A PostgreSQL log parser.
- pgDevOps A set of web-based tools that help you create SQL queries and community components, monitor running databases, and identify performance issues.
The benefits of using PostgreSQL
There are a number of benefits to using PostgreSQL, such as:
- It's easier to use than some other relational databases.
- Requires low maintenance.
- The source code is available for free, so your developers can change the database according to your business needs.
- It can interact with dynamic web applications and websites.
- It is highly risk tolerant.
Companies that use PostgreSQL
If you're curious which companies use PostgreSQL, the list includes Uber, Netflix, Instagram, Spotify, Instacart, Robinhood, Twitch, and Reddit, among many others.
As for the integrations you can employ with PostgreSQL, this list includes Datadog, Slick, Amazon DynamoDB, JSON, Sequelize, Metabase, Kong, Amazon Aurora, and Strapi, among others.
PostgreSQL Versions
Unlike some other relational databases, there is only one version of PostgreSQL, so you don't have to worry about using a community or enterprise edition. PostgreSQL is PostgreSQL no matter where you implement it.
Conclusion
At some point, your business will depend on a relational database. If you prefer to deploy an option that is as easy to learn as it is powerful and reliable, PostgreSQL could be the perfect match for your business or project.
