What is PostgreSQL? And When You Should Use It

Almost every software, web application, and tech product needs a database in its backend. A stable database management framework is needed to keep the numerous data transactions with terabytes of data running smoothly. Many developers rely on PostgreSQL to provide a seamless data warehouse for all their heavy and complex data needs.

Due to its open-source and freely accessible nature, PostgreSQL has grown in popularity for software and web applications. It is reliable, robust and possesses several advanced capabilities for storing, retrieving, and organizing structured data. For this reason, it’s one of the first-choice database management tools for most programmers, whether they’re building a simple blog or a complex web application. Currently, it is in the top 5 of the most widely used RDBMS.

PostgreSQL provides support for a huge set of advanced functions, including user-defined types, table inheritance, nested transactions, a sophisticated locking mechanism, high availability, streaming replication and geographic data storage techniques such as PostGIS. In this article, we will explain what PostgreSQL is and when to use it for your automation and data service needs.

What is PostgreSQL Used For?

PostgreSQL is an advanced, open-source, and highly stable database management system that supports relational (SQL) and non-relational (JSON) querying. It serves as a primary data warehouse for all kinds of web, mobile, geospatial, or analytical applications.

PostgreSQL’s robust and efficient nature stems from over 30 years of continuous development and contribution from different community members dedicated to upgrading and improving its resilience, integrity, and correctness.

What are the Advantages of PostgreSQL for Your Database Management?

Using PostgreSQL for your data service has various benefits that make it a compelling choice for all your needs. The advantages include:

• Robustness and Reliability: PostgreSQL can handle voluminous and critical workloads without compromising data integrity. It strictly adheres to the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) principle even when threatened by system failures.

• Numerous Advanced Features: PostgreSQL gives developers and database administrators extensive features supporting complex data types like arrays, geometric data, and JSON. It also provides them with full-text search features, advanced indexing mechanisms, and other inbuilt functions allowing data manipulation and analysis.

• Extensibility: One of the most prominent advantages of PostgreSQL is that it gives developers the framework they need to develop and integrate extensions seamlessly. They can then use the extensions to add new procedural languages, indexing methods, and data types. It can also be integrated and managed within a Kubernetes cluster.

• High Level of Compliance: PostgreSQL adheres strictly to SQL standards and supports SQL features. Hence, it is compatible with other SQL-based applications.

• Scalability & Availability: PostgreSQL is highly scalable to meet growing demand. Using its multi-version concurrency control system, this robust system can accommodate multiple simultaneous transactions without limitations. It also allows you to partition and distribute your data across multiple instances to enhance optimal performance, or to replicate data on multiple instances across different geographical regions to guarantee high availability.

• Cost Effectiveness: Despite its many features, PostgreSQL is open-source and free to use. Therefore, it is a cost-efficient and reliable solution for businesses to use throughout their data lifecycle management.

Common Use Cases For PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is suitable for a wide range of applications and use cases. Some of them include:

1. Building Web Applications

You can use PostgreSQL to build various web applications, from simple blogs to complex web applications. Its unique features, like an advanced indexing mechanism, full-text search, and JSON support, enables developers to create responsive applications.

2. Data Warehousing

Developers and their organizations can store an unlimited amount of data on PostgreSQL. It is robust and extensible enough to handle any amount of data and complex analytical queries. You can also use its partitioning and indexing feature to retrieve your data easily when necessary.

3. Projects Involving Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)

PostgreSQL is ideal for executing spatial data projects because it supports GIS applications. Whether conducting geographical analysis or building a mapping app, you can use it to integrate GIS extensions like PostGIS and leverage its geospatial functions to make the project seamless.

4. Developing Content Management System

Your organization can use PostgreSQL as a database backend for its content management system. This system is highly reliable for maintaining data integrity and handling complex queries from even the most content-rich websites. It is compatible with content management platforms, including Drupal and Joomla.

5. Building Internet of Things (IoT) Application

PostgreSQL is useful when building IoT applications. The rise of automation, virtualization, and artificial intelligence requires a robust and stable database capable of housing humongous amounts of data. This database management system can easily handle, store, query, and analyze structured, and unstructured data needed to build IoT applications.

Conclusion – Build and Access Free Database Using PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a powerful and multifunctional open-source database management system with many use cases. With over 30 years of continuous contribution and active development, it is one of the most versatile and globally used data services worldwide. Developers and organizations with heavy data can leverage its robust and stable mechanism to warehouse data, execute GIS and IoT projects, and build web applications without spending a fortune.

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