What is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system with very high availability, and it is free to use. This system is the result of research initiated by Michael Stonebraker, professor at the University of California, Berkeley — and it is constantly enriched by an active community of experts.
With its extensive features, PostgreSQL can process databases of different types and levels of complexity. with optimal performance.
Understanding PostgreSQL: Key features and architecture
The features of this relational database and object management system allow developers to:
- Experiment with new applications for their stored data without modifying the source code.
- Edit tables and add new data types.
- Develop open-source environments.
- Protect the integrity of their data in total security.
- Control concurrent access.
Advanced features of PostgreSQL
Indexing and text searching
PostgreSQL optimizes query performance with advanced indexing techniques, such as B-tree, Hash, GIN, and GiST. For example, Generalized Inverted Indexes (GINs) are particularly effective for full-text searches, allowing quick and accurate searching of large volumes of text data. With the Full Text Search module, PostgreSQL makes it easy to search for words, phrases, or patterns, which greatly improves the performance and relevance of search results.
Extensions and customizations
PostgreSQL stands out for its ability to be scalable, thanks to a wide range of extensions that are available . Extensions such as PostGIS for geospatial data, PL/pgSQL for procedural functions, and pgAudit for auditing and security, allow users to customize and extend the database’s default features to suit their specific needs. These extensions can be easily installed and integrated, providing additional functionality without compromising the performance or stability of the database. This flexibility makes PostgreSQL a versatile choice for a variety of applications, from web development to complex data management.
ACID Transaction Management and Compliance
PostgreSQL manages transactions with strict adherence to the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties, guaranteeing data integrity and reliability. Each transaction is processed atomically, meaning all operations are performed or none are, eliminating the risk of data corruption. Consistency is maintained by ensuring that each transaction takes the database from one valid state to another valid state. Isolation prevents concurrent transactions from interfering, and durability ensures that transaction results are permanent even in the event of a system failure. This robustness makes PostgreSQL an ideal tool for resource-intensive industries such as finance, where data accuracy and reliability are vital.
PostgreSQL uses and associated OVHcloud solutions
PostgreSQL is a database engine, and is compatible with OVHcloud services as well as most widely-used tools. It supports a variety of data models to create powerful, scalable object-oriented applications.
This open-source tool enables you to work with complex data sets, and avoid any slowdowns. Data becomes easier to store, read and write. We offer PostgreSQL via cloud services and our web hosting solutions .
PostgreSQL vs MySQL
| Main features | MySQL | PostgreSQL |
| Usability | Easy to use and configure. | Less accessible, as it is used to handle complex queries and large databases. |
| Open source | The MySQL source code is also open source. It is distributed under a GNU GPL dual licence and owner. Software that includes MySQL code is free, but if the creator wants to market the software, they must purchase a paid licence. | This software is available under the BSD licence, so it is open source. It can only be modified or marketed if there is a mention of PostgreSQL being created by the PostgreSQL Development Group. |
| Database | A high-speed database for read-heavy workloads. | The most advanced open-source relational database in the world. |
| Architecture | Database Management System (DBMS) The management system for a MySQL database is rational. | Object-Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) In this architecture, data is presented as objects. You can access data in corresponding languages, such as Java, C# and .Net. |
| Data integrity | Tables must be created with the InnoDB engine type, to handle integrity constraints. This prevents unwanted duplications. | This database management system is particularly well-suited to applications with a high number of records. It ensures reliability for data, notably through an autonomous backup and replication system. |
In addition to MySQL and PostgreSQL, there are other database solutions adapted to different uses. MongoDB (NoSQL) is good for massive use of heterogeneous data, then Apache Kafka and Redis are great for maintaining data in RAM to reduce access times.
PostgreSQL advantages
Workload management
This solution can be deployed to handle large workloads.
Cross-platform compatibility
PostgreSQL is compatible with many highly available platforms.
Compliance and continuous improvement
The active community of contributors strives to follow SQL standards. Their commitment to continuous software improvement guarantees durability and portability.
Support
Since this software is open-source, it has wide support from its community. Furthermore, many OVHcloud partners can offer you tailored support.
Big data applications
This relational database management system is an important ally for big data. PostgreSQL was designed to manage large databases, with a very high number of active concurrent connections. For example, it is used by Afilias to manage the global .org domain name registration system.
JSON format
The JSON format has been supported by PostgreSQL since version 9.2. It facilitates data exchange between servers and web applications. This JavaScript object notation is popular because it is easy to use. The syntax of operations is still readable to people, which enables beginners to manipulate data and aggregate functions. JSON also interacts easily with other programming languages.
How do I create a PostgreSQL database with OVHcloud?
We offer two solutions for your PostgreSQL databases.
- Web Cloud Databases: Provides private databases connected to the public network. Thanks to cutting-edge storage technology, read-write data access is very fast. The resources are dedicated to you, for optimal performance. Every database managed by OVHcloud is compatible with all of your services, even external ones.
- Public Cloud Databases: A high-availability managed database infrastructure (clustering), with pay-per-use billing and a number of hardware configurations. We manage the backup, configuration, scalability and security for your solution, so you can focus on your core business. Several engines are available: MongoDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis and Kafka.
Application domains
Healthcare sector
In the healthcare sector, PostgreSQL is a major asset for managing critical databases, including electronic medical records (EMRs) and hospital management systems. With its robustness and compliance with data security standards, PostgreSQL ensures reliable and secure management of sensitive patient information. Advanced indexing and text search capabilities also enable quick retrieval of medical records, making it easier for healthcare professionals to do their jobs. And its ability to manage complex information transactions ensures the integrity of healthcare data — which is crucial for the proper functioning of healthcare organizations.
Education and research
For academic institutions and scientific organizations, PostgreSQL is a valuable solution for accelerating research work and managing large database workloads. PostgreSQL's capabilities to process large and complex data sets enable researchers to manipulate and analyze data in real-time, and advanced indexing and query capabilities make it easy to find information quickly and efficiently. In addition, PostgreSQL’s flexibility and scalability allows you to customize databases to specific project needs.
E-commerce and finance
PostgreSQL has many advantages for projects related to finance and e-commerce platforms. ACID's transaction management ensures reliable and secure financial transactions, which is critical for managing online orders and transactions. Companies can use PostgreSQL to efficiently manage product catalogs, track orders in real time, and secure customer data. Its high performance and ability to process multiple transactions simultaneously makes PostgreSQL an ideal solution for e-commerce environments, where speed and accuracy are essential.
Applications and websites
PostgreSQL is also widely used for application and website management due to its ability to process large databases and handle thousands of simultaneous requests. Many websites and applications that need to process thousands of requests per second choose PostgreSQL for its reliability and high performance. From social media platforms to content management systems and mobile applications, PostgreSQL offers a robust, scalable solution that can meet the demands of modern web environments.
OVHcloud and PostgreSQL
PostSQL
Design your business applications and transfer your old workloads to the cloud with total peace of mind with the PostgreSQL database service.
MongoDB
Deploy MongoDB, the leading document-oriented NoSQL database, for free, and is ideal for modern applications with JSON documents and flexible schemas.
Harness the power of our databases
Explore our other managed databases from our extensive catalog, including flexible and secure solutions, to meet all your cloud needs, with optimal performance and adapted scalability.
Your questions answered
What are the main differences between PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Apache Kafka and Redis?
PostgreSQL is a SQL-compliant relational database management system (DBMS), ideal for complex queries and large databases, with its custom data types and ACID transactions. MongoDB , on the other hand, is a document-oriented NoSQL database, suitable for unstructured data and horizontal scalability. Apache Kafka is an event streaming platform used for real-time processing of data streams. Finally, Redis is a high-speed in-memory database, mainly used for session caching and storage.
Is PostgreSQL really free?
Yes, PostgreSQL is completely free and open source, distributed under the PostgreSQL license (similar to the BSD license). You can use, edit and distribute it freely, even for commercial applications.
How does PostgreSQL manage data security?
PostgreSQL offers several levels of security, including password authentication, role and permission management, and advanced features such as SSL encryption to secure network connections.
Can PostgreSQL be used for big data projects?
What tools are available to administer PostgreSQL?
There are several tools to administer PostgreSQL, including pgAdmin, a graphical database management tool, and psql, a command-line interface. Many other open-source and commercial tools offer administration, monitoring and customization features for PostgreSQL.