Why Build with Postgres?
Proven Reliability
With over 35 years of development, PostgreSQL is trusted for its legendary stability and strict ACID compliance. It’s the battle-tested foundation for your most critical data.
Extensible by Design
Go beyond standard data types. Create your own functions and operators, or tap into a rich ecosystem of extensions like PostGIS for powerful new capabilities.
Performance at Scale
From single-node applications to massive, distributed workloads, Postgres is built for growth. Optimize with advanced indexing, parallel queries, and native partitioning.
Vibrant Open Source Community
PostgreSQL is free forever and guided by a dedicated global community. Benefit from rapid improvements, comprehensive documentation, and a world of shared expertise.
Future-Proof Features
Bridge the gap between relational and NoSQL. Natively handle JSON, XML, and key-value stores alongside your SQL data for ultimate application flexibility.
Secure & Compliant
Protect your data with a robust security framework featuring row-level security and strong encryption options. PostgreSQL's strict adherence to the SQL standard ensures predictable, reliable behavior for your applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key new features in PostgreSQL 18?
Version 18 focuses on enhancing performance and developer experience. Key highlights often include major upgrades to the query planner, improvements in logical replication, and new JSON functions. For a full list, always check the official release notes.
Is it safe to use a Release Candidate (RC) in production?
No. A Release Candidate (RC) is a preview version intended for testing and evaluation only. You should use it to test your applications and prepare for the upgrade, but never deploy it in a live production environment.
How does PostgreSQL compare to MySQL?
PostgreSQL is known for its extensibility, strict adherence to SQL standards, and robust feature set for complex data. For applications that require high data integrity and flexibility, PostgreSQL is often the preferred choice.
What is the best way to upgrade to a new major version?
The recommended method is using the built-in pg_upgrade utility. Regardless of the method, you should always back up your database, test the upgrade in a staging environment, and perform the upgrade during a planned maintenance window.
Since PostgreSQL is free, who decides on new features?
Development is managed by a dedicated, global community of developers and contributors. New features are proposed, debated, and coded by community members on public mailing lists, ensuring the project is free from vendor lock-in.
Where can I get support if I run into problems?
The most common option is community support via the official mailing lists. For businesses that require guaranteed response times, there is also a strong global ecosystem of commercial support providers.