Why Learn PostgreSQL?

At Redgate, we’ve spent a lot of time adding PostgreSQL functionality to our DevOps tools. We’ve also hired an advocate, Ryan Booz, to help us spread the word and educate everyone about the platform.

How important is this? It’s hard to know. I know all the major vendors offer flavors of PostgreSQL. Azure has Azure Database for PostgreSQL, AWS has Aurora and RDS, and Google has AlloyDB. I also see plenty of customers using PostgreSQL in some way.

On Redgate.com, there is an article on What is PostgreSQL, and why do businesses need to know more about it? This is a general, high level article that highlights a few things from perspective of business usage. While there aren’t a lot of details, I do find more companies embracing PostgreSQL and other platforms outside of Oracle/SQL Server.

I also noticed a webinar coming tomorrow, PostgreSQL 101: Why PostgreSQL in 2023?, that I am going to try and watch.

I’ve been working with PostgreSQL lightly, and it’s in my Flyway PoC series. I find it both interesting, and in many ways, the same as working with SQL Server. Much of my knowledge transfers, so I’m not worried about learning to use it more in depth if needed.

If you’re worried about your company leaving SQL Server, maybe you want to spend time working with another platform, if for no other reason that you can build some familiarity with tools. However, I don’t know I’d recommend many SQL Server spend time here without a pressing need, and I don’t know that I would advocate for my company to switch. There is a lot to learn, and I think the time spent converting knowledge could outweigh licensing costs.

About way0utwest

Editor, SQLServerCentral
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2 Responses to Why Learn PostgreSQL?

  1. robert padilla says:

    I agree with this. The company where I formally was working is moving away from SQL Server and to Postgres (Google Cloud SQL). Looking at Postgres for sure writing SQL is an easy change to the Postgres flavor, since both SQL Server and Postgres are mostly ANSI compliant. As a performance tuning, I was lacking tools and deep knowledge of how the SQL engine works. But from a day to day, it could make sense. But in some respect, you do get what you pay for 🙂

    Like

  2. way0utwest says:

    PostgreSQL is gaining popularity. I wonder if the savings will really be what companies expect. Or will we end up with lots of time spend learning, tuning, etc.? Hard to tell

    Like

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