Benefits of using PostgreSQL Open Source

Introduction

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system, or RDBMS, designed to handle a wide range of tasks from individual computers to mega data warehouses. Also known as Postgres, PostgreSQL is used as the default database for MacOS, Linux and Windows, among others.

PostgreSQL open source has been around for over 20 years, but many DBAs don’t give the database management system the credit it deserves. As a professionally-maintained open source relational DBMS, Postgre has the chops to take on the big three of Microsoft, IBM and Oracle. As it is capable of running many highly complex computer applications, PostgreSQL offers many advantages for database administrators.

PostgreSQL is Completely Free

As Postgre is a free open-source project, there is no need for any type of licensing agreements or learning on a stripped down demo version. All users get the entire program free of charge with no hidden fees or strings attached. Provided users stay with the PostgreSQL standard version they will be able to reap all of the benefits with none of the hassles attached to paid systems.

Investing in PostgreSQL is Safe

Unlike MySQL, that was owned and controlled by a single by a commercial entity that made it fair game for a buyout, PostgreSQL is an open-source, community-backed effort controlled by multiple companies, including Cybertec. This means it cannot be easily bought out or taken over by any entity without the agreement of all the controlling parties.

The PostgreSQL community has worked to ensure Postgre cannot befall the same fate as MySQL. While one of the controlling parties could decide to sell their individual stake, the nucleus of the project will always remain open source. This is because once a code is established as open source it cannot be bought or otherwise become private.

Features

Postgre is a sophisticated, all-inclusive relational DBMS that provides a wide array of benefits, boasting well over 3,000 pages of documentation. A list of a few of Postgre many features include:

SQLFeatures

• Analytic functions with OVER-clause
• Ordered sets and hypothetical aggregates within a group
• Partial aggregates with filter-clause
• Recursive SQL
• Table sampling

Performance Features

• Advanced cost-based optimization
• Advanced locking mechanisms
• Parallel queries
• Partitioned tables
• Tablespaces

Replication Features

• High Availability and Automatic Failover
• Logical and Physical Replication
• Partial Replication
• Point-in-Time Recovery
• Asynchronous and Synchronous Replication

Security Features

• Defined User Roles
• Full Database Encryption
• Full SSL Support
• Single-Sign-On Support

Storage Support Features

• Support for Stored Procedures in Multiple Languages
• Support for Custom Aggregates
• Support for Triggers

Replication Support

Replication is a core feature in Postgre, not an add on with additional costs and licensing. Included internal tooling is robust and PostgreSQL has built-in features that support a variety of external tools that DBAs need to make there systems run smoothly and efficiently.

Around-the Clock Support Availability

For times when speed is of the essence, one of the major benefits of PostgreSQL is the availability of full 24/7 support. Users can expect better and faster service with Postgre than with most commercial products. Unlike large commercial database merchants that can sometimes literately take years to create a bugfix, PostgreSQL makes fixes for security and operational issues a priority. Users can rest easy knowing the highly skilled and dedicated people of the PostgreSQL community are on top of such issues and will usually have a problem sorted out and a solution in place within a matter of hours.

Conclusion

Trends show that many users are favoring PostgreSQL simply because of its rock solid dependability. While Oracle and MySQL will most likely hold onto their current spots as the top two DBMS technologies in the computing world, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that Postgre may supplant MySQL in the not to distant future. As MySQL has only Oracle as its primary contributor, many users prefer PostgreSQL just because it is a viable alternative to Oracle. While PostgreSQL is not the shinny new toy on the shelf, or the quickest DBMS to set up, once it is up and running PostgreSQL glistens as the reliable old workhorse that always gets the job done.

If you need help setting up and managing your PostgreSQL or need some advice on if PostgreSQL is the right choice for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Object Rocket.