PostgreSQL is an open-source, powerful object-relational database system. It has an appreciative structure and constant development that has made it stand high even today. It is best known for its data integrity, correctness, and reliability. It runs on all the most used operating systems like Linux, Windows, Solaris, Mac OS, and more. If you desire to get a good grasp of PostgreSQL concepts, you must first understand what a database is and the functions of RDBMS. It is better if you know the primary computer language.
PostgreSQL is closely related to RDBMS (Relational Database Management System). Any developer who wants to explore how PostgreSQL is built can analyze the source code, available for free. Not only does it manage data, but it also supports texts, videos, sounds, and images. It also includes some of the programming language interfaces. PostgreSQL is supportive of C, C++, Python, Perl, Ruby, and more interfaces. It also is compatible with SQL standards.
Due to its strong support for SQL standards, it has many advantageous modern features. Some of the features are:
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Transactions
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Complex SQL queries
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Foreign keys
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Views
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Multiversion concurrency control (MVCC)
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SQL sub-selects
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Streaming Replication (newer versions)
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Trigger
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Hot Standby (newer versions)
Besides the built-in functions, users can also utilize these features to their benefit while managing the data. They can add new functions, operators, data types, aggregate functions, and a few of the index methods. Users get the benefit of choosing the language from the supported programming languages. In this case, PostgreSQL supports four of the standard procedural languages. The database server of PostgreSQL can execute these codes.
Not only procedural languages, but it also supports a few of the non-procedural languages. pgSQL, Perl, Tcl, and Python are the four procedural languages supported by PostgreSQL. PHP, Java, Ruby, etc are some of the non-procedural languages supported by it. To manage data smoothly under PostgreSQL, you must first learn PostgreSQL SQL commands. If you are aware of the syntax for the commands, then managing the database becomes easier.
The set of SQL commands are taken from the psql command-line tool. If you are unaware of the few commands, run PostgreSQL-# \help <command name>. This command will help you know about the functionalities of the command you want to use. A SQL statement consists of a Token, either an identifier, keyword, constant or special character. For example, SELECT id, name FROM states.
It is better to learn and understand the PostgreSQL SQL commands for the smooth sailing of data management. Use the ABORT command to abort the current transaction. You can change the database-specific parameter using ALTER DATABASE. For example, ALTER DATABASE name RESET parameter. There are many other ALTER commands which are very useful.
Creating tables for storing and organizing data brings a lot of advantages. You can use the command “CREATE DATABASE name [...]” to create a new database in PostgreSQL. Using the CREATE command, you can create various functions, groups, indexes, operators, rules, etc. You can create tables, schema, and multiple constraints. Data types allow you to define each column of the table created.
The benefits of this method include validation, compactness, consistency, and enhanced performance. An organized way of managing data helps PostgreSQL to enhance its performance. To learn PostgreSQL and its SQL commands in-depth, enroll in Great Learning Academy’s free PostgreSQL courses and secure free PostgreSQL certificates on completing these courses.