Everything You Need to Know About PSQL (PostgreSQL)?

 

 

PostgreSQL is a high-level, enterprise-level open-source relational database that allows for both SQL (relational) and JSON (non-relational) querying. It is an extremely stable database management system with over 20 years of community development behind it. This careful and community-based process has made it highly resilient, correct, and of high integrity. PostgreSQL is employed as the main data store or data warehouse for numerous web, mobile, geospatial, and analytics applications.

PostgreSQL & Its Use In Old Times & Now

Easy Use of PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is also known as Postgres, and it has been in use since old times. Essentially, it is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). Some systems become less relevant over time, and the demand decreases, but in this case, it is not so; rather, the demand has increased over time. In modern times, we will look at how it is used, but first, let's explore its origin, how it started, and why it was used.

History Of PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL started in 1986 at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Professor Michael Stonebreaker. Originally called Postgres, it was developed to improve upon an earlier database called Ingres and aimed to support multiple data types with basic features.

In 1996, the project was rebranded as PostgreSQL to reflect its support for the SQL query language (though PostgreSQL remains widely abbreviated as Postgres). A committed and eclectic community of developers—the PostgreSQL Global Development Group—still produces frequent major and minor releases of the free and open-source database project.

PSQL in 2025 Use Cases

After SQL,it is the 2nd database that has been used the most in previous and recent years. According to the complete survey for 2024, 49% of developers are using it.

General Purpose OLTP Database  

PostgreSQL is the best online transaction processing (OLTP) system for financial institutions, factories, startups, and large enterprises. It supports automatic failover and full redundancy, which are essential for web-based applications and solutions.

Geospatial Database  

With the PostGIS extension, PostgreSQL can handle geographical data. It is used in location-based services and geographic information systems (GIS), such as mapping and geographical analysis.

Federated Database  

PostgreSQL's foreign data wrappers and JSON support allow it to merge with multiple databases. It acts as a united hub for polyglot database systems, connecting different technologies in one place.

Dynamic Websites and Apps  

PostgreSQL is used as part of the LAMP stack, or LAPP stack (Linux, Apache, PostgreSQL, PHP/Python/Perl). It is utilized to host dynamic websites and applications, making it an ideal choice for that purpose.

Data Warehousing and Analytics  

PostgreSQL is also used for data warehousing and analytics. It efficiently handles medium to large datasets and assists in generating complex queries and reports.

These use cases highlight PostgreSQL's versatility and reliability, making it a perfect choice for a variety of industries and applications.

How to Install PostgreSQL In window 11 in 2025

Step 1: Download PostgreSQL Installer

First, download the official PostgreSQL installer for Windows.

 

Open your web browser and navigate to the official PostgreSQL website: https://www.postgresql.org

Click on the Download section  &  choose Windows.

Select the latest version and click the download link.

The installer file (an.exe file) will start downloading.

Step 2: Run the Installer

After the download, find the downloaded.exe file in your computer (it will be available in the download folder) and follow these instructions:

  • Double-click on the installer file to start the PostgreSQL Setup Wizard.

Click Next.

  • Identify an installation location (or keep the default location) and click Next.
  • Checkmark the components to be installed
  • PostgreSQL Server (Mandatory)
  • pgAdmin 4 (Graphical user interface to administer databases)
  • Command Line Tools (Useful to run SQL commands)
  • Stack Builder (it’s optional only if you want to add additional features)

Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Set The Password

  • During the process of installation, you will be prompted to set up a password for the database default user, Postgres
  • Set a strong password and don't forget it since you will require it later.

Press Next.

Step 4: Set Port and Options

  • The default port in PostgreSQL is 5432. Leave it as it is unless you have a very specific reason to change it.

Press Next

  • Select the default locale settings and then click Next.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

  • The installer will show a summary of the settings you have chosen.
  • After selecting Next, click Finish to finish the installation.
  • You now have PostgreSQL installed on your system.

Step 6: Test the Installation

To check whether PostgreSQL is working correctly:

  • Open pgAdmin 4 from the Start Menu.
  • Select "Servers" from the left sidebar menu.
  • Double-click on PostgreSQL and enter the password you previously set.
  • If everything is working correctly, you will see the database dashboard.

You can verify it from the command line:

  • Open Command Prompt.
  • Type psql -U postgres and press Enter.
  • Enter your password when asked.

If you receive the postgres=# prompt, PostgreSQL is working properly.

PostgreSQL vs. MySQL: A Complete Difference

When it comes to choosing a good relational database, we often get stuck between two options: PostgreSQL and MySQL. Even after understanding the differences from various sources, we still find it hard to make a quick decision. But don't worry, I will explain in detail which relational database you should choose. Which one is best for your project? 

There are many similarities between them, and only a few things make them different from each other. However, those features matter a lot, so let's take a look.

Similarities Between PostgreSQL vs. MySQL

As we look at where they differ, let's look at what they have in common.

  • Both are relational database management systems (RDBMS), which means that they both store data in tables.
  • Both use SQL (Structured Query Language) to talk to data.
  • Both provide JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) for storing and moving data.

So what Makes Them Different from each other?

PostgreSQL: Power and Complexity

PostgreSQL is an object-relational database, making it particularly appealing to enterprise database administrators who work with online transaction processing (OLTP).

PostgreSQL is often used for business applications like e-commerce, customer relationship management (CRM), and financial ledgers. It's also well-suited to handle analytics and large datasets.

MySQL: Fast & Good For Small Projects

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system. It is very fast, which makes it a top choice for web applications. It is also easy to use, which is why it is best for smaller-scale web applications.

Final Words 

Psql is an extensive command-line interface for managing PostgreSQL databases effectively. It provides necessary functionality to database administrators and developers, from database connections and query execution to backups and restores.

With its cross-platform nature and rich command set, Psql makes database management efficient and productive. As a beginner or an advanced user, being proficient in Psql can assist you in leveraging PostgreSQL's potential.