First Steps - PostgreSQL 9 Administration - page 1

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First Steps

In this chapter, we will cover the following:

F Introducing PostgreSQL 9
F Getting PostgreSQL
F Connecting to PostgreSQL
F Enabling server access to network/remote users
F Using graphical administration tools
F Using psql query and scripting tools
F Changing your password securely
F Avoiding hardcoding your password
F Using a connection service file
F Troubleshooting a failed connection

Introduction

PostgreSQL is a feature-rich general purpose database management system. It's a complex
piece of software, but every journey begins with the first step.

We start with your first connection. Many people fall at the first hurdle, so we try not to skip
too swiftly past that. We move on quickly to enabling remote users, and from there to access
through GUI administration tools.

We also introduce the psql query tool, which is the tool used for loading our sample database,
as well as many other examples in the topic.

For additional help, we include a few useful recipes that you may need for reference.