Why PostgreSQL? (Part 1)
Published: 2023-05-13 15:25:34

PostgreSQL is an advanced, open-source relational database system known for its robustness, feature-richness, extensibility, and strict compliance with the SQL standard. Originating in the 1980s from the University of California, Berkeley, PostgreSQL has evolved over the years to become one of the most powerful database systems available, suitable for a wide range of applications and many types of workloads. PostgreSQL can be a preferrable database system for numerous reasons.
**1. Open Source**
As an open-source project, PostgreSQL is free to use and modify. This aspect has led to a large and active community of developers who contribute to its development, ensuring the system is continually updated, enhanced, and bug-free. The open-source nature also means organizations can use and adapt PostgreSQL without worrying about licensing costs or vendor lock-in, leading to more flexibility and potentially significant cost savings.

**2. Standards Compliance**
PostgreSQL boasts high compliance with the SQL standard, including support for advanced features like sub-selects, transactions, and user-defined types and functions. This adherence to the standard ensures a high degree of portability of SQL code across different database systems and reduces the learning curve for developers already familiar with SQL.

**3. Extensibility**
One of the distinguishing features of PostgreSQL is its extensibility. Users can define their own data types, operators, and functions. PostgreSQL also supports a variety of built-in data types, including complex ones like geometric shapes and arrays. Furthermore, it allows for the creation of custom functions using various programming languages such as C, Python, or Perl.

**4. ACID Compliance**
PostgreSQL is fully ACID-compliant, ensuring that all database transactions are processed reliably. This compliance is critical for applications where data integrity is paramount, such as financial systems or scientific research databases.

**5. Performance**
PostgreSQL has a reputation for performance and efficiency. It features several advanced optimization techniques, such as multiversion concurrency control (MVCC), various indexing techniques, and support for parallel query execution. These features enable PostgreSQL to deliver high performance across a wide range of workloads.

**6. Security**
PostgreSQL has a range of security features that make it suitable for applications with stringent security requirements. These include robust access controls, views, row-level security, and the ability to use SSL certificates for encrypted connections.

**7. Scalability**
PostgreSQL is highly scalable, making it a good choice for applications that need to handle large volumes of data. Its features like table partitioning and support for replication and sharing allow it to handle big data workloads and ensure high availability.

**8. Complex Query Support**
PostgreSQL supports complex queries, including those involving multiple sub-selects, joins, and aggregation. It also supports stored procedures and triggers, which allow developers to implement complex business logic at the database level, improving efficiency and maintainability.

**9. Community Support**
PostgreSQL's vibrant community is one of its greatest assets. The community not only contributes to the development of PostgreSQL itself but also aids other users through forums, mailing lists, and other online resources. This support can be invaluable in resolving issues and learning best practices.