PostgreSQL is a powerful and advanced open-source enterprise-class database known to support JSON (non-relational) and SQL (relational) querying. The database is very stable, it has been around for more than twenty years, and a good reason it has a high level of correctness, integrity, and resilience. The database is used by many mobiles, analytical, web, and geospatial applications as primary storage for their data. The latest invention in this database is PostgreSQL 12.
PostgreSQL is known for supporting powerful data types; it also supports performance optimization just like its counterparts. PostgreSQL can run on all main operating systems. Since 2001 the program has been an acid complaint. Currently, DBA is one of the preferred choices for many individuals and companies.
What is PostgreSQL Database
The project started back in 1986 under Prof. Michael Stonebreaker who was lecturing at the University of California. At first, the company was known as Postgres, this to refer to a former project developed at the same place. Postgres at that time wanted to add some features that were missing to support different data types. Postgres was later named PostgresSQL in order to show support to SQL language. We can refer to PostgreSQL as Postgres (an abbreviation of PostgreSQL) the development group is known to release minor and major releases of this open and free database.
The project is never easy for beginners. Make sure you select the project you need to create and let the DBA robustly and safely store the data.
What is PostgreSQL Used For
The database has many features whose aims are assisting developers create applications, the administrators in protecting the data, and built a conducive environment, it helps in managing the data no matter the size. Apart from being an open and free source, the dba is extensible, this means defining the data type is easy, and you can customize different functions and use different coding language without tampering with the database.
Below is a list of various features you will find on this database:
Data types
- Primitive: Boolean, integer, string, Numeric
- Structured: UUID, Range, Array, Date/Time
- Document: key-value(Hstore), XML, JSONB?JSON
- Geometry: polygon, circle, line, point
- Customizations: custom types, composite
Data integrity
- NOT NULL, UNIQUE
- Primary keys
- Advisory locks, Explicit locks
- Exclusion Constraints
- Foreign Keys
Concurrency Performance
- Indexing: partial, Expression, multicolumn, B-tree
- Optimizer, multicolumn statistics, Index-only scan.
- Multi-version concurrency function
- Creating B-tree indexes
Table partitioning
- Disaster recovery, reliability
- Replication: logical, synchronous, asynchronous
- Tablespace
- Write-ahead logging
Security
- Authentication: Certificate, SCRAM-SHA-256, LDAP, SSPI, GSSAPI
- Row-level security and column
Extensibility
- Procedures and stored functions
- Procedural language: python, Perl, PL/PGSQL
- JSON/SQL Path expressions
- Interface
Large and starter enterprises prefer using PostgreSQL as the main storage for data in order to support internet solutions, products, and applications use it for:
Geospacial database
When you use the DBA with other extensions such as PostGesis it can support the use of geographic objects and you can use it for storage of objects in different locations as well as gaining geographic information.
Federated hub database
JSON and other database data wrappers enable it to link with various data stores globally.
LAPP open and free source
The database is known to run dynamic apps and websites as one of the ways to boost the LAMP stack.
Industrial Applications of PostreSQL
The government and the community prefer this method to store GEO data and also in areas such as:
Manufacturing
The companies have adapted this DBA to speed up the data processes in the business. it aids in optimizing the supply chain in that the database can be used as a backup for the data. It will also aid in reducing the operation cost for the companies.
NoSQL and Web technology
If the company is in need of handling thousands of requests per minute, you will be affected by scalability. In this, case postgre is the solution.
The database works well with the current web frameworks such as Node.js, Python, Golang(read more), PHP(read more), and many more. You use replication services where you can handle large data in no time and with ease.
Scientific Data
If you are working on a scientific or research project you are required to generate large terabytes. However, It essential to handle the project in the most effective way. The database will help you manage the data easily.
Creating a cookbook
A cookbook is a collection of instructions, information, and recipe on how you can prepare various meals.
You can use the DBA to create a cookbook with a lot of data as you may wish.
Final verdict
In the article we have tackled almost everything you are required to know about PostgreSQL, go through the article to understand what is needed for beginners to create a database.