What Is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL, commonly referred to as "Postgres," is an ORDBMS that prioritizes extensibility and adherence to standards. Its main purpose as a database server is to securely store data and retrieve it upon request from software applications, whether they are on the same machine or on a network. Postgres is capable of handling workloads of varying sizes, ranging from small single-machine applications to large, internet-facing applications with multiple users. Additionally, recent versions of Postgres offer database replication for enhanced security and scalability.
PostgreSQL is a highly versatile database management system that adheres to the SQL:2011 standard and follows the ACID compliance model, which ensures reliable and accurate data transactions. It utilizes multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) to avoid locking issues and provides immunity to dirty reads and full serializability. PostgreSQL supports a wide range of SQL queries using advanced indexing methods not available in other databases. It also offers features such as updateable views, materialized views, triggers, foreign keys, support functions, and stored procedures. Furthermore, PostgreSQL is highly extensible and offers a plethora of third-party extensions. It can also migrate data from major proprietary and open-source databases using standard SQL support and migration tools. The software's extensibility allows it to emulate many proprietary extensions through built-in and third-party open-source compatibility extensions, such as those for Oracle.