Advantages of PostgreSQL Database

In our tech-savvy world, there are several relational database management systems (RDBMSs) that you can choose from, such as Oracle Database, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and IBM DB2. However, one particular RDBMS stands out, and that is PostgreSQL.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits of PostgreSQL that make it an excellent choice for various use cases. Whether you are a developer looking to build a new application or a database administrator looking to manage and optimize your data, this article will provide valuable insights.

What is PostgreSQL?

So, what is PostgreSQL? Before we go deep into this database, let’s look at where it started.

PostgreSQL was first conceptualized in 1986 by Professor Michael Stonebreaker at the University of California. It was initially called “Postgres” because it was supposed to be a “post-ingres” project, the next generation of relational databases. This project was supposed to be an upgrade to other RDBMSs by incorporating object-oriented data models and creating a more user-friendly database.

At first, Postgres utilized only the POSTQUEL query language. However, in 1994, the language was changed to SQL. This prompted the project to change the name of the database to PostgreSQL as a way to show the relationship between the initial Postgres idea and the current SQL capabilities.

Over the years, PostgreSQL has become known as a very stable enterprise-class RDBMS. This database supports both JSON and SQL for non-relational and relational querying. Postgres, also known as PostgreSQL, offers a wide range of advanced data types and performance optimization features typically only found in costly commercial databases like Oracle and SQL Server.

Why use PostgreSQL

Apart from being open source and free, PostgreSQL is known for its high level of customization, frequent updates, valuable developer features, and availability of cloud-hosted options from various providers.

PostgreSQL offers a wide range of data types, including structures, documents, geometry, and primitives, to meet all your needs. This open-source database also prioritizes disaster recovery and reliability through sophisticated replication options and the ability to back up important information quickly. Additionally, its extensibility allows a diverse selection of data types to be used at your discretion. Essentially, PostgreSQL is a one-size-fits-all solution to data needs.

There are several Postgres tools you can use to make all these possible such as the dbForge Studio.

Advantages of PostgreSQL

For more than two decades, PostgreSQL has provided one of the best services an RDBMS has to offer. Here are some of the advantages that keep developers coming back for more. 

Deep language support

PostgreSQL is known for its versatility among developers, thanks to its ability to work seamlessly with multiple programming languages. It supports several popular coding languages, including Python, JavaScript, C/C++, Ruby, and more. This allows developers to utilize their preferred language while executing database operations without encountering system compatibility issues.

Fully open source 

Adopting open-source database management technology brings many advantages to businesses, including cost-effectiveness, increased agility, and access to innovation that may not be available with closed-source alternatives. PostgreSQL, created and maintained by a diverse community of contributors, is built on a solid base of knowledge, experience, and open-source principles, making it a premier choice for advanced database management.

Reliability and standards compliance

PostgreSQL’s Write Ahead Logging (WAL) mechanism makes it a robust database, able to easily withstand faults. Additionally, its sizeable open-source community provides a built-in support network. The database is fully compliant with the ACID properties and supports features such as joins, triggers, foreign keys, views, and stored procedures in various languages.

Performance, Scalability

When it comes to handling big data and ensuring quick access and secure authentication, PostgreSQL shines. It’s packed with features usually only found in expensive, closed-source databases – like the ability to work with location data and handle many users simultaneously. This makes it the perfect tool for organizations that need to dig deep into large sets of mixed data types. This helps with business continuity. 

Popular tools for PostgreSQL databases

As a PostgreSQL user, you would need the right PostgreSQL GUI tool to help you visualize, manipulate, and manage your data. Today we will give you a quick overview of some tools you should look out for.

dbForge Studio for PostgreSQL

dbForge Studio for PostgreSQL is a comprehensive tool for managing and developing PostgreSQL databases. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for users to easily navigate and perform various tasks. It’s like a swiss army knife of PostgreSQL development and management tools. It has everything you need to create, develop and execute queries, edit and adjust the code to your liking, all in a user-friendly interface. With this tool, you can create beautiful reports, play around with data, import and export data like a pro, and build fancy pivot tables and relationships like a boss. 

pgAdmin

pgAdmin is a popular free and open-source tool used to manage and administer PostgreSQL databases. It has many features that help users perform tasks such as creating, viewing, and editing different PostgreSQL objects. Some key features of pgAdmin include a graphical query planning tool, a dashboard for monitoring server activities, and the ability to access remotely. 

DBeaver

DBeaver is a powerful, cross-platform tool for working with PostgreSQL and other popular databases. Not only is it loved by developers, but database administrators also can’t get enough of it. DBeaver supports over 80 different types of databases, including PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, and more! Even if it’s not a native GUI tool for PostgreSQL, it offers a wide range of features and capabilities that makes it a great choice for managing and working with all sorts of databases.

Summary

PostgreSQL is a top-performing, open-source database that’s been gaining popularity. It’s highly versatile and follows industry standards, making it a go-to choice for web and mobile apps, data storage, and other applications that require reliable and stable data management. Currently, dbForge Studio for PostgreSQL is an excellent tool to help navigate the PostgreSQL.