Business and consumer data is now more crucial to organisations than ever before. Numerous tools that aid businesses with database management are readily available worldwide. Recent statistics have shown that a number of free and open-source database management systems (DBMS), including PostgreSQL database and MongoDB have gained massive popularity in the previous year.
PostgreSQL has built a global reputation of competence and efficiency due to its user-friendly features, integration with other tools, and over 30 years of active development. However, those considering using PostgreSQL for their database management operations must develop an in-depth understanding of the platform and tools it can be integrated with.
What Is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is the brainchild of Michael Stonebraker and is rooted back to the Ingres project conducted at the University of California, Berkeley. Its creator, in 1985, began working on the post-Ingres project with the aim of addressing database challenges that had become prominent during the 1980s.
Although Postgre was developed on the ideas of Ingres, it had a completely different code. In addition, it ensured that the databases could understand the relations between data sets and were able to retrieve information when required. Today, Postgres can provide support for both relation and non-relational data types.
It supports various SQL functions, including foreign keys, sub-queries, triggers and more. In addition, it can be integrated with a PostgreSQL graphic user interface (GUI) client of a business’s choosing for advanced data management operations. A PostgreSQL GUI client is a management tool that enhances query functions and enables data visualisation and analysis.
Why Should You Use PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is an expandable and versatile solution that can be used to perform specialised use cases, including geospatial data storage and linking to other data stores. Harnessing such capabilities allows businesses to stay on par with technological advancement. However, that is now all that makes using PostgreSQL a necessity.
Due to its open-source structure, the solution is free from licensing restrictions, over-deployment, and vendor lock-ins. In addition, PostgreSQL database solution comes with support for a number of programming languages that make adapting to the platform easier. These programming languages include Perl, Ruby, Python, and C++.
Benefits of PostgreSQL
Decades have passed since PostgreSQL was first launched, however, it continues to be one of the best database solutions available today. Along with being free and open-source, some of the other benefits of PostgreSQL include:
Ensures Business Continuity
Ensuring operational continuity in the event of a disaster is a common concern among businesses worldwide. A major benefit of PostgreSQL is that it allows organisations to ensure the successful implementation of their business continuity and disaster recovery strategies (BCDR). Organisations can ensure this by configuring replication methods across multiple servers.
Supports Multiple Programming Languages
Another advantage of PostgreSQL is that it supports a number of programming languages, such as Ruby, C++, and Python. Such support ensures that organisations do not need to hire additional personnel to use PostgreSQL. In addition, it increases developers’ efficiency and ability to adapt as they are not required to learn additional programming languages.
Improves Performance and Scalability
Larger business organisations often require greater authentication and read/write speeds. A significant substantial perk of PostgreSQL is that it allows organisations to use various performance optimisation measures. Some of these measures include geospatial support and unrestricted concurrency. Such support allows PostgreSQL to function efficiently when performing extensive data analysis across multiple data types.
Ensure ACID Compliance
A crucial advantage of PostgreSQL is that it ensures atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability (ACID) compliance during data transactions. Such compliance is a primary concern as it’s often seen as a representation of expected data storage and modifications. These compliance measures help organisations maintain data integrity and avoid data validation errors.
Top 5 Tools For Managing PostgreSQL Databases
PostgreSQL can be integrated with a number of tools that streamline database management operations. The exact tools an organisation uses will depend on their requirement and capabilities. Some of the best Postgres tools include:
dbForge Studio
dbForge studio is one of the best Postgres tools for data management and analysis. It allows users to create, develop, and execute queries. In addition, it allows them to make changes to the data as per their requirements. The tool comes with a number of great features, some of which include performance tuning, query plans, and execution diagrams.
pgAdmin
pgAdmin is one of many Postgres tools developers can use to manage databases. It is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, Unix, and macOS. In addition, it can also be operated as a browser-integrated application. One of the highlight features of pgAdmin is that it enables faster data entry, debugging, and editing of standard objects.
DBeaver
DBeaver is a free and open-source database management tool that can be integrated with PostgreSQL. The tool has been designed to manipulate data, create analytics reports and export information as required. In addition, it supports advanced management functionalities such as database monitoring and schema migration. It’s also compatible with various extensions, including Excel and Git, and provides enterprise-level security standards.
Beekeeper Studio
Beekeeper SQL is a modern SQL client that enables various data management functionalities such as creating and editing. In addition, Beekeeper studio can connect through firewalls and allows encryption of SSL connections. It also features a built-in editor that comes equipped with syntax highlighting and auto-completion. These features, in combination, allow developers to have a seamless database management experience.
Navicat
Navicat is a series of database management and development softwares that features an explorer-like user interface design. It supports multiple connections for local and remote database devices and can work on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. In addition, it comes equipped with various features, including code snippets, a query builder, and a task scheduling tool.
Key Takeaways
Business and customer data is highly important to organisations, and managing it is of paramount importance. There are a number of database management systems available worldwide. However, PostgreSQL remains the most popular free and open-source solution that startups and enterprise-level businesses resort to for database management.