Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Introducing PostgreSQL 9
PostgreSQL is an advanced SQL database server, available on a wide range of platforms.
One of the clearest benefits of PostgreSQL is that it is open source, meaning that you have a
very permissive license to install, use, and distribute PostgreSQL without paying anyone fees
or royalties. On top of that, PostgreSQL is well-known as a database that stays up for long
periods, and requires little or no maintenance in many cases. Overall, PostgreSQL provides a
very low total cost of ownership.
PostgreSQL is also noted for its huge range of advanced features, developed over the course
of more than 20 years continuous development and enhancement. Originally developed by
the Database Research group at the University of California, Berkeley, PostgreSQL is now
developed and maintained by a huge army of developers and contributors. Many of those
contributors have full-time jobs related to PostgreSQL, working as designers, developers,
database administrators, and trainers. Some, but not many, of those contributors work for
companies that specialize in services for PostgreSQL, such as
Hannu
and me. No single
company owns PostgreSQL, nor are you required, or even encouraged, to register your usage.
PostgreSQL has the following main features:
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Excellent SQL Standards compliance up to SQL 2008
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Client-server architecture
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Highly concurrent design where readers and writers don't block each other
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Highly configurable and extensible for many types of application
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Excellent scalability and performance with extensive tuning features
What makes PostgreSQL different?
The PostgreSQL project focuses on the following objectives:
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Robust, high-quality software with maintainable, well-commented code
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Low maintenance administration for both embedded and enterprise use
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Standards-compliant SQL, interoperability, and compatibility
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Performance, security, and high availability
What surprises many people is that PostgreSQL's feature set is more comparable with Oracle
or SQL Server than it is with MySQL. The only connection between MySQL and PostgreSQL is
that those two projects are open source; apart from that, the features and philosophies are
almost totally different.
