PostgreSQL — What is it and when to use it?

This article brings together essential PostgreSQL concepts from various sources, providing a comprehensive introduction for beginners. It…

This article brings together essential PostgreSQL concepts from various sources, providing a comprehensive introduction for beginners. It covers the core ideas and practical applications, making it an ideal starting point for those new to PostgreSQL. Whether you’re looking to understand the basics or deepen your knowledge, this guide will set you on the right path.

What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source object-relational database system that uses and extends the SQL language combined with many features that safely store and scale the most complicated data workloads

This definition is taken directly from the official PostgreSQL Documentation.

PostgreSQL supports both SQL for relational data and JSON for non-relational data and is ACID-compliant, meaning it supports transactions and maintains data integrity. It is well suited both for OLTP and OLAP

Let’s break through some of the terms and try to understand this better

What is open source?

Open-source software is code that anyone can access, change, and improve. This means anyone can see and modify the code. Open-source is better than closed-source software because it encourages collaboration among developers.

PostgreSQL is open-source, which has led to the development of numerous extensions for various use cases. I came across this article that highlighted the significant impact of PostgreSQL in the database world, attributing its success to its extensibility and open-source nature.

What is an object-relational database?

A relational database (RDB) is a type of database that organizes data into rows and columns, forming tables where the data points are related to each other. This structure makes it easy to access and manage information by defining clear relationships between data points.

An object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) is a database management system (DBMS) that combines features of relational and object-oriented databases. It represents data as objects and supports object-oriented concepts like classes, object identity, and polymorphism. This allows for storing more complex data than traditional relational databases, and it also supports custom data types and methods within database schemas and query languages.

In PostgreSQL, its object-oriented features are demonstrated by supporting complex data types, such as JSON, arrays, and XML, in addition to all standard SQL data types. Another aspect highlighting its object-oriented nature is the ability to declare and use functions.

What is ACID?

ACID stands for Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability, which are essential properties for ensuring the reliability and validity of data

Atomicity: When viewing a transaction as a sequence or set of statements, atomicity ensures that the transaction functions as a single unit. This means that either all statements within the transaction succeed, or the entire transaction fails. If any statement within the transaction fails, the entire transaction fails, and the database remains unchanged.

Consistency: This ensures that any data written to a database adheres to all the predefined rules and constraints. This means that once a transaction is completed, the database must be in a valid state that complies with all the integrity constraints set by the database schema. These rules might include data types, value ranges, referential integrity (such as foreign key constraints), and other business rules.

Isolation: This ensures that transactions running concurrently produce the same result as if they were sequentially executed one after another. This principle is crucial for maintaining data accuracy and preventing conflicts when multiple transactions are processed simultaneously.

Durability: This ensures that once a transaction reaches a committed state, its changes are permanently saved and will persist even in the event of a database failure. This principle is crucial for maintaining the integrity of data over time and ensuring that no committed transaction is lost due to system crashes or power outages.

What is OLTP?

OLTP, Online Transaction Processing, is a type of database processing that handles concurrent transactions in real-time. It is commonly used for online applications requiring immediate data access, such as e-commerce websites and ATM systems. OLTP enables multiple users to execute numerous transactions simultaneously, often over the internet.

What is OLAP?

OLAP, Online Analytical Processing, is a type of database processing designed for querying and reporting, rather than transaction processing. It is used for analyzing large volumes of data to support decision-making and business intelligence. OLAP enables complex calculations, trend analysis, and data modeling, making it ideal for applications such as data mining, financial reporting, and market research

When to use PostgreSQL?

This can be divided into two sections: the first will cover when to use relational databases in general, and the second will discuss why you might choose PostgreSQL as your preferred relational database.

When to use Relational Databases?

When you require ACID compliance and transactional support, relational databases are a better choice compared to NoSQL databases. However, if you need greater scalability and flexibility, a NoSQL database might be more suitable, as these databases are typically faster and can handle a wider variety of data types and structures.

When to use Postgres as your relational Database?

If you need to scale efficiently to handle very large volumes of data, PostgreSQL is a superior choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter server that integrates quickly with third-party tools, MySQL might be a more suitable option.

Conclusion

PostgreSQL stands out as a powerful, open-source relational database management system renowned for its advanced features and flexibility. It excels in handling complex queries, supporting various data types, and maintaining data integrity through robust constraints and indexing mechanisms.

Understanding when to use PostgreSQL — whether for scalable applications needing ACID compliance or for complex analytical tasks — can significantly impact your project’s success.

So, did this overview make PostgreSQL a bit less intimidating? If so, happy database managing!