PostgreSQL®

PostgreSQL®

PostgreSQL is one of the most mature and powerful open-source database systems in the world. What began in 1986 as a research project at the University of California, Berkeley, under the name “Postgres,” has evolved over decades into a full-fledged object-relational database management system that is now used by companies of all sizes.

Technical Foundations

PostgreSQL extensively implements the SQL standard, supporting both classic relational and object-oriented concepts. These include, among others, complex data types, table inheritance, user-defined functions, and stored procedures in various programming languages such as PL/pgSQL, Python, or Perl. Through its support for MVCC (Multiversion Concurrency Control), PostgreSQL enables high concurrency while maintaining data consistency – without read operations blocking write operations.

In addition to classic relational data, PostgreSQL also handles JSON and JSONB, allowing document-oriented structures to be mapped directly within the database. With the PostGIS extension, PostgreSQL becomes a complete geodatabase – a feature that makes it attractive for GIS applications.

Stability and Scalability

A particular characteristic of PostgreSQL is its proven stability. The system is known for reliably operating even under high load and efficiently managing large volumes of data. Replication – both synchronous and asynchronous – has been an integral part of the system for many years, enabling high-availability scenarios and read distribution across multiple servers.

Its architecture can be adapted through an extensive extension system. In addition to PostGIS, numerous other extensions exist, for example, for full-text search, time-series data, or advanced index types like GIN and GiST.

License and Community

PostgreSQL is released under the PostgreSQL License, a BSD-like license that permits very free use – even in commercial products. Its further development is in the hands of the PostgreSQL Global Development Group, a worldwide association of developers. A new major version is released annually, continuously expanding its functionality.

Through this transparent development and active community, users benefit from fast bug fixes, regular security updates, and extensive documentation. The combination of technical maturity, an open license, and an active community makes PostgreSQL a reliable foundation for modern database projects – from small web projects to business-critical applications.

Further information can be found in our PostgreSQL^® Competence Center.

Postgres, PostgreSQL and the Slonik logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the PostgreSQL Community Association of Canada and are used with their permission.