PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database management system. It has many features, it provides safe and scalable data storage. And, of course, PostgreSQL uses SQL as a query language. PostgreSQL has a strong reputation thanks to its safe architecture, a large number of features, and the loyalty of the open-source community. In this topic, you will learn about this RDBMS, its advantages, peculiarities, and tools to work with PostgreSQL.
What is PostgreSQL
As we've already said, PostgreSQL is an object-relational database management system (RDBMS) that uses and extends the SQL language. RDBMS allows users to interact with data in the database – view, delete, add new, and search through the data. Database management systems make the user experience more comfortable and enhanced.
Looking into the history of the matter, PostgreSQL was invented in 1986 as part of the POSTGRES project at the University of California.
On the official website of PostgreSQL, you can get detailed documentation about the product. And here, you can get the download and installation guide for every OS.
According to the developers of PostgreSQL, "Getting started with using PostgreSQL has never been easier – pick a project you want to build, and let PostgreSQL safely and robustly store your data." So let's start and look deeper into PostgreSQL. Maybe this RDBMS will be in your next project?
SQL dialect in PostgreSQL
Like human languages, SQL can have dialects, according to the database management that you use. SQL that is used in PostgreSQL also differs from SQL in other RDBMSs. We will not delve into differences so much, just look at the main ones.
PostgreSQL has more advanced data types, including user-defined types.
PostgreSQL supports some different SQL operators that can be useful during development.
This is not the whole list of distinctions of SQL query language in PostgreSQL, of course.
But the main thing you should know is that SQL language can be a little different in different database management systems. So, for example, the data types that you used in some DBMS might not be applicable in another one.
Advantages of PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL comes with many features that help developers build and administrate their applications with any amount of dataset. Let's talk about the most important benefits of PostgreSQL:
Data types. PostgreSQL supports a lot of popular data types. Starting from primitives (integer, string, boolean) and ending with geometric types (line, polygon, point). Furthermore, thanks to its open-source nature, users can define their own data types and use them in their own projects.
Performance. PostgreSQL supports advanced indexing, transactions, a sophisticated query planner, and also more features. All of this provides great performance and high speed of execution that really matter in modern development.
Security. PostgreSQL uses different types of authentication, a robust access control system, and column and row-level security. This makes RDBMS very safe and provides high security for the data in it.
Extensibility. PostgreSQL is very scalable. It supports lots of programming languages, can run on every OS, can connect to other databases or streams with a standard SQL interface, and has a customizable storage interface for tables. Scalability is also an important quality of any technology in the 21st century.
Tools to work with PostgreSQL
Well, you can actually work with PostgreSQL right from the console. But the easiest and most convenient way is to use special tools with graphical user interface (GUI) programs that can help you interact with PostgreSQL.
One of them is PgAdmin, the most popular tool to work with PostgreSQL. This program can provide you with a detailed view of all your databases. You can easily manage your data and write and execute queries. PgAdmin is also a web application. So you can start it on the server and connect remotely, getting all the available features.
It's important to mention that PgAdmin is an open-source product, so it is absolutely free for all developers and users.
PostgreSQL is also supported by many other tools with graphical user interfaces, such as DBeaver, OmniDB, DataGrip, and more.
Conclusion
Well, we have discussed the main parts of PostgreSQL. Now you are familiar with this object-relational database management system, its advantages, and particular qualities. We have talked about SQL dialects and GUI tools to work with PostgreSQL.
This means that now you can decide for yourself whether to use this RDBMS for your projects or not.
So, let's test your knowledge with a little practical part.