All About Postgres DB - History, Features

Postgres DB is a versatile open-source database system that runs as a relational database system (RDBS). It is an enterprise-class advantaged system that supports two different types of queries, which are SQL (Structured Query Language) and JSON (JSON). This means that Postgres DB supports both SQL and non-SQL querying process. Postgres DB is preferred by many developers due to its stability, which is built upon several years of community development. Many analytics companies and mobile developers use Postgres DB as their primary database due to its dual querying ability. Postgres DB is also referred to as PostgreSQL.

Postgres DB History

Postgres DB was first developed in 1986 at a computer department within the University of California. The aim of Postgres DB was to replace and provide better functionality for the Ingres database. Precisely, the developers wanted to expand the software to provide support for different kinds of data types. Over the years, the database system advanced, and in 1996, Postgres DB (formerly known as POSTGRES) was named PostgresSQL. Since then, PostgresSQL has been commonly referred to as Postgres or Postgres DB. From then, a large community of competent PostgreSQL developers emerged, which supports the release of free database versions. Initially, Postgres DB worked only on UNIX and related platforms. Now, this database is compatible with almost all operating systems.

Postgres DB Features

PostgresSQL has a hand full of features that makes it a desirable database management system. These features are discussed below.

Open-source

The fact that this system is open-source makes it popular amongst developers. Naturally, many developers prefer to have a database that they can tweak and include their own touch. Further, it has created a thriving community of contributors that provides support to users. Best of all, this makes the entire system accessible and free as users do not need a paid license to use the system. Therefore, people from all types of backgrounds and requirements can utilize PostgresSQL with little concern for the financial burden.

Reliable System

Since its inception, PostgresSQL has always been community-driven. Therefore, the years of collaboration has fostered deep innovation, which has further developed the database scheme. The way the Postgres DB community is structured allows for quick resolution of issues that affect SQL and non-SQL processes.

Fairly Scalable

The way Postgres DB is structured makes it highly scalable. Users have access to several technical resources for using PostgresSQL at different scales. As a result, users are able to effectively and quickly scale up their database when required.

Secured Environment

PostgresSQL offers users a secure system for data management. Because it can easily be extended, users can easily access enhanced security features only if they utilize the right tools, which include data masking. In such a case, a user gets a secure system that valuable stores data from malicious elements’ eyes.

Wide Range of Extension Functions

Postgre DB supports a wide range of processes for data storage. These techniques include DBLink and PostGIS.

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