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#10

PostgreSQL is ranked #10 on the top 10 Relational Databases leaderboard based on a comprehensive analysis performed by SelectHub research analysts. Compare the leaders with our In-Depth Report.

PostgreSQL Pricing

Based on our most recent analysis, PostgreSQL pricing starts at $0 (Free, Open-Source).

Price
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Starting From
$0
Pricing Model
Free, Open-Source
Free Trial
Yes, Request for Free

Training Resources

PostgreSQL is supported with the following types of training:

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars

Support

The following support services are available for PostgreSQL:

Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Help Desk
Knowledge Base
Tickets
Training
24/7 Live Support

PostgreSQL Benefits and Insights

Why use PostgreSQL?

Key differentiators & advantages of PostgreSQL

  • Data Integrity: PostgreSQL ensures data accuracy and reliability through ACID compliance, which guarantees transactions are processed reliably even in the event of a system failure.
  • Extensibility: Users can create custom data types, operators, and functions, allowing PostgreSQL to be tailored to specific application needs without altering the core system.
  • Advanced Security Features: With robust authentication methods and support for SSL connections, PostgreSQL provides a secure environment for sensitive data.
  • Scalability: PostgreSQL can handle large volumes of data and high numbers of concurrent users, making it suitable for both small applications and large-scale enterprise solutions.
  • Open Source Flexibility: As an open-source database, PostgreSQL offers cost savings and the freedom to modify the source code to fit unique business requirements.
  • Comprehensive Support for Standards: PostgreSQL adheres to SQL standards, ensuring compatibility and ease of integration with other systems and tools.
  • Rich Data Types: Support for a wide range of data types, including JSON, XML, and arrays, allows for versatile data modeling and storage options.
  • Robust Community Support: A large and active community contributes to continuous improvements, extensive documentation, and a wealth of third-party tools and extensions.
  • High Availability: Features like replication and failover support ensure that PostgreSQL databases remain accessible and operational, minimizing downtime.
  • Performance Optimization: Advanced indexing techniques, such as B-tree, GiST, and GIN, enhance query performance and speed up data retrieval processes.
  • Geospatial Data Handling: With the PostGIS extension, PostgreSQL can efficiently manage and query geospatial data, making it ideal for location-based applications.
  • Transactional Integrity: Multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) allows for concurrent transactions without locking, improving performance and user experience.
  • Data Recovery and Backup: Tools like pg_dump and point-in-time recovery provide reliable options for data backup and restoration, safeguarding against data loss.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: PostgreSQL runs on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, offering flexibility in deployment environments.
  • Comprehensive Logging and Monitoring: Built-in logging and monitoring capabilities help administrators track database performance and troubleshoot issues effectively.

Industry Expertise

PostgreSQL is known for its robust features, including advanced data types, complex query handling, and strong data integrity, making it ideal for applications requiring high reliability and scalability. It's particularly well-suited for enterprise applications, financial services, and data warehousing, where data accuracy and security are paramount.

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Based on an aggregate of PostgreSQL reviews taken from the sources above, the following pros & cons have been curated by a SelectHub Market Analyst.

Pros

  • Open-Source: PostgreSQL is open-source software, meaning there are no licensing costs, leading to a lower total cost of ownership compared to proprietary databases.
  • Reliable and Robust: PostgreSQL is known for its stability and reliability, making it suitable for mission-critical applications that require consistent performance and data integrity.
  • Handles Large Datasets: PostgreSQL excels in handling large datasets and high-traffic applications due to its horizontal scalability, which is achieved through features like read replicas and connection pooling.
  • Feature-Rich: PostgreSQL boasts a comprehensive set of features, including advanced SQL support, diverse data types (like JSON and arrays), and robust indexing techniques, enabling developers to build sophisticated and efficient applications.
  • Strong Community Support: PostgreSQL benefits from a large and active community of users and developers, providing ample resources, support, and shared knowledge, making it easier to find solutions and assistance.

Cons

  • GUI Tools: PostgreSQL's GUI tools are not as advanced as some other database systems, which might be a drawback for users who prefer visual interfaces.
  • Performance Limitations: PostgreSQL's architecture can lead to performance bottlenecks, especially for complex queries that require utilizing multiple CPU cores.

Researcher's Summary:

Is PostgreSQL truly a post to be reckoned with in the database world? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of PostgreSQL, highlighting its strengths as a powerful and versatile open-source database solution. Users consistently praise its ease of use, with one reviewer stating that "PostgreSQL, unlike other databases, is user-friendly." They appreciate its fast execution and compatibility with other systems, making it a favorite for tasks ranging from simple data storage to complex microservices architectures. A key differentiating factor is its open-source nature, which translates to cost-effectiveness, a major plus for businesses and developers. One user pointed out that PostgreSQL's open-source licensing allowed them to "use as many database instances as we need without massive cost increase." However, some users point out a steeper learning curve compared to alternatives like MySQL, particularly for beginners navigating its advanced features. Overall, PostgreSQL emerges as a robust and reliable database solution best suited for developers and businesses seeking a powerful and cost-effective option, especially those comfortable with or willing to learn its intricacies.

Key Features

Notable PostgreSQL features include:

  • ACID Compliance: PostgreSQL ensures reliable transactions with Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability, making it suitable for critical applications.
  • Advanced Data Types: Supports a wide range of data types including JSON, XML, and arrays, allowing for flexible data modeling.
  • Extensibility: Users can define custom data types, operators, and functions, enhancing the database's adaptability to specific needs.
  • Full-Text Search: Built-in capabilities for full-text search enable efficient querying of textual data, useful for applications like search engines.
  • MVCC (Multi-Version Concurrency Control): Provides high concurrency and performance by allowing multiple transactions to occur simultaneously without locking.
  • Replication and Clustering: Offers robust solutions for data replication and clustering, including streaming replication and logical replication for high availability.
  • Foreign Data Wrappers: Allows integration with other databases and data sources, enabling seamless data access across different systems.
  • Geospatial Support: The PostGIS extension provides powerful geospatial capabilities, making PostgreSQL a popular choice for geographic information systems (GIS).
  • Inheritance: Supports table inheritance, allowing for a more natural representation of data hierarchies and shared attributes.
  • Point-in-Time Recovery: Enables restoration of the database to any specific point in time, providing a safeguard against data loss.
  • Parallel Query Execution: Improves performance by executing queries in parallel, utilizing multiple CPU cores effectively.
  • JSONB Support: Offers efficient storage and querying of JSON data with JSONB, combining the flexibility of NoSQL with the reliability of SQL.
  • Robust Security Features: Includes role-based access control, SSL support, and various authentication methods to secure data access.
  • Stored Procedures and Triggers: Supports complex business logic with stored procedures and triggers, automating tasks and enforcing rules.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Extensive and detailed documentation helps users understand and utilize PostgreSQL's full capabilities.
  • Community and Ecosystem: A vibrant open-source community contributes to a rich ecosystem of tools and extensions, enhancing PostgreSQL's functionality.
  • SQL Compliance: Adheres closely to SQL standards, ensuring compatibility and ease of use for developers familiar with SQL.
  • Window Functions: Provides advanced analytical capabilities with window functions, useful for complex data analysis tasks.
  • Partitioning: Supports table partitioning, improving performance and manageability for large datasets.
  • Hot Standby: Allows read-only queries on standby servers, optimizing resource utilization and load balancing.
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