8 Reasons Why PostgreSQL is the Best Open-Source Relational Database Management System

When you consider different open-source object-relational database systems, PostgreSQL is one name that stands out every time.

Its wide range of features makes it possible to store and scale some of the most complicated data workloads easily.

One of the reasons why it is so widely popular is it works on all the operating systems that come to mind. It also has essential add-ons, such as PostGIS, the leading geospatial database extender.

Users like developers and industry experts rate PostgreSQL very highly. With 30 years of experience behind its back, PostgreSQL is a name that you can trust blindly.

It offers a plethora of benefits when it comes to your business, such as scalability, automation, enterprise security, and cost savings.

Let’s take a look at some of those benefits in detail and why PostgreSQL is crucial for your business:

8 Reasons Why PostgreSQL is the Best Open-Source Relational Database Management System

1. Free and open-source relational database

PostgreSQL is one of the most widely-used free and open-source relational database management systems that focus primarily on SQL compliance and extensibility.

Its own license gives PostgreSQL the freedom to use and distribute data without any restrictions or limitations to the platform.

The license of PostgreSQL applies to some of the most crucial elements of your business like client libraries, major contribution extensions, connection managers, and main project code. 

Every business should maintain a dynamic data system and PostgreSQL provides the versatility that such data systems require.

It supports different types of cases that come with a powerful extension ecosystem that covers various aspects of your business, such as geospatial analytics and time-series data types.

Let’s not also forget that whilst PostgreSQL is an open-source solution, the popular EDB Postgres allows for additional technical support which usually only comes with a commercial database such as Oracle. 

2. Easier and faster development

The biggest advantage of using PostgreSQL for developers and administrators is it comes with tons of advanced features.

This allows developers to build applications quickly. On the other hand, administrators get a free hand in building fault-tolerant environments and protect data integrity.

It lets everyone manage data irrespective of its size. For example, PostgreSQL lets you build out custom functions, write code from various programming languages, and define your data types without needing to recompile your database.
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3. One size fits all database solution

Small-scale companies don’t want to spend on different database management systems initially. Instead, they look for a cost-effective way to tie all database management systems under one umbrella.

PostgreSQL offers a one size fits all solution. It provides some incredible features for your database management systems like risk of over-deployment, vendor lock-in potential, and freedom from licensing restrictions. 

4. Extend PostgreSQL for multiple uses

PostgreSQL’s team of developers has their hands full because they are constantly writing ancillary software, including plug-ins for multiple languages that you can add for personalization.

Additionally, developers can create their own data types, window functions, aggregates, operators, functions, and various database-related functions.

In addition to multiple languages, PostgreSQL also offers an array of hook functions that helps you extend your database without using programming extremes.

This is one of the most unique features of PostgreSQL as no other systems allow you to assimilate all the features in different languages.

This allows developers to stay updated with changes so that they know the tasks they need to perform next.
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5. Performance and scalability for large databases

Many large database systems require thorough data authentication and high-speed read and write facilities.

PostgreSQL offers both to enhance the performance of developers and also optimize items available in proprietary database technology like unrestricted concurrency and geospatial support. This is a crucial feature for systems that run extensive data analysis on different data types.

6. Broad language support

PostgreSQL, because of its compatibility and support for multiple programming languages, makes for a flexible database management system.

Some of the renowned coding languages like JavaScript, C/C++, Python, and Ruby provide advanced support for PostgreSQL.

This gives developers the freedom to perform their tasks in their own language, thus reducing the chances of conflicts. 

7. Business continuity

Disasters should stop companies from continuing their business operations. The production databases need to be available all the time, irrespective of the disaster you are facing.

PostgreSQL offers synchronous or asynchronous replication methods through multiple servers to achieve that feat.

An open-source platform like PostgreSQL allows developers to come up with scalable and sustainable solutions that boosts your business’s growth and also allows it to adapt to newer technologies.

Another reason why you should use PostgreSQL is for its cost-effectiveness. Since it has its own license, it helps you save money on database license fees. 

8. Charter Global Client Spotlight

PostgreSQL is a successful example of a licensed database that got converted into an open-source database. This conversion offered several benefits, one of which was the reduced licensed cost of one million dollars.

The Bottom Line

While PostgreSQL isn’t quite as popular as other open-source databases (such as MySQL), it is in fact an object-relational database, while MySQL is a purely relational database.

This means that PostgreSQL comes with additional functionality such as function overloading and table inheritance, which is imperative for certain applications within the platform.

PostgreSQL is also well known for having better data protection and integrity at the transactional level.

This makes it far less susceptible to corruption and security breaches, which is the deciding factor for many enterprise businesses who value their data privacy and security.