PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database system that uses and extends the SQL language. It has a long history of development by an open-source community and a reputation for reliability, data integrity and a large feature set. PostgreSQL runs on all major operating systems and is free to use.

PostgreSQL supports transactions that keep data consistent, rich data types including JSON, full-text search, and extensions that add features. PostGIS, for example, adds geographic data and location queries.

Why applications choose PostgreSQL

• Transactions and constraints that protect data integrity
• Relational tables plus JSON for flexible data
• Full-text search without a separate search service
• Extensions for geographic data and more
• Support from frameworks such as Laravel, Payload CMS and many others

Running PostgreSQL for a business application

The database holds the records a business cannot lose: customers, orders, bookings, members and documents. Running it well means more than installing it. Production databases need automated backups stored off-site and encrypted, restores that are tested rather than assumed, monitoring of disk space and slow queries, and planned upgrades between major versions.

For applications that must stay available, PostgreSQL supports replication to standby servers. A high-availability setup can promote a standby when the primary fails, which reduces downtime during hardware problems or maintenance. Connection pooling keeps busy applications from opening more database connections than the server can handle.

When PostgreSQL fits

PostgreSQL fits custom applications, CRMs, portals and platforms with related data and reporting needs. WordPress sites typically use MySQL or MariaDB instead, since that is what WordPress supports.