PostgreSQL is an Object-Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS), gradually gaining popularity among developers worldwide due to its extensive functionality and reliability. In this article, we will explain why big organizations are switching to PostgreSQL and what advantages this DBMS offers.
Advantages of PostgreSQL
It’s free
PostgreSQL is distributed under the PostgreSQL License, which is free and open-source. Thus, you can use PostgreSQL for any purpose without having to pay for it. Unlike other DBMSs, such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL provides all its features for free.
It’s easy to use
PostgreSQL has a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to manage their databases without much difficulty. Moreover, PostgreSQL is a flexible DBMS, which can be easily configured for any user's needs.
It’s secure
PostgreSQL is one of the most reliable DBMSs. This is achieved by using transactions that guarantee data integrity even in the event of system failures. Additionally, PostgreSQL has many built-in security mechanisms, including support for SSL/TLS, Kerberos and GSSAPI authentication, as well as protection mechanisms against SQL injections. PostgreSQL also allows for configuring access rights to databases and tables, which provides even greater data security.
It provides high performance
PostgreSQL boasts high performance even when processing large volumes of data. Thanks to its optimized architecture, PostgreSQL can handle thousands of queries per second. It supports a wide range of functionality, including transaction support, concurrency, and scalability. This makes PostgreSQL an excellent choice for large and complex projects where high performance is a key factor.
It has a wide range of capabilities
PostgreSQL has a multitude of additional modules and extensions that allow users to enhance its functionality. For example, with PostgreSQL, you can create a full-text search, geospatial search, and much more.
It has a large community
As mentioned above, PostgreSQL is an open-source DBMS, meaning that anyone can view PostgreSQL's source code and make their own changes to it.
PostgreSQL has a large community of developers and users who actively participate in the development and support of the DBMS. On forums and social media, you can find answers to most PostgreSQL-related questions. Moreover, in the PostgreSQL community, new features and capabilities are actively discussed, and issues related to PostgreSQL usage are resolved. Thus, PostgreSQL is constantly updated and improved thanks to the community's contribution. To join the community, check out this page.
Conclusion
Ease of use, reliability, and high performance make PostgreSQL an appealing choice for many companies, including giants such as Apple, Netflix, Instagram, IMDB, and others.
According to Statista, in 2023, PostgreSQL ranks fourth in the world among DBMS by popularity, behind Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. Moreover, PostgreSQL is the most popular open-source DBMS.
