PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL

is the world¿s most advanced open-source database. PostgreSQL is the most comprehensive, in-depth, and easy-to-read guide to this award-winning database. This book starts with a thorough overview of SQL, a description of all PostgreSQL data types, and a complete explanation of PostgreSQL commands.

If you are a developer or an administrator, you¿ll love the chapter that explores PostgreSQL performance. The authors explain how PostgreSQL stores data on disk (and in memory) and how to measure and influence the effectiveness of PostgreSQL¿s caching mechanisms. You¿ll also learn how PostgreSQL generates and evaluates execution plans. The authors explain all of the query operators that can appear in the results of an EXPLAIN command, describing the performance implications of each operator as well as the conditions which will cause PostgreSQL to use that operator.

PostgreSQL is also a complete guide for the developer. Whether you¿re developing with C, C++, ODBC, Embedded SQL, Java, Tcl/Tk, Perl, Python or PHP, you¿ll find a comprehensive description of the PostgreSQL API for your language of choice. Easy to follow exercises will walk you through the development of working applications that fully demonstrate the features offered by each API. You will also find a chapter that describes the PL/pgSQL server-side procedural language, learning how to build triggers, functions, and stored-procedures. The authors have even included a chapter that walks you through the process of extending the PostgreSQL server with custom-written C functions and new data types. The accompanying web site, www.conjectrix.com, contains downloadable versions of all of the sample code and a wealth of PostgreSQL-related resources.

The last section of PostgreSQL was written for the PostgreSQL administrator. You will learn how to install PostgreSQL on Windows, Linux, and Unix systems, from source code or from pre-compiled installers. The authors have described all of the PostgreSQL configuration options (compile-time, startup, and on-the-fly). The chapter on PostgreSQL security describes all of the authentication protocols that you can choose from and describes how to secure your database, both internally and externally. If you have to support a multi-national environment, you will find the chapter on internationalization and localization to be invaluable.

You won¿t find a more complete guide to PostgreSQL anywhere. The authors have made PostgreSQL approachable by leading the reader from basic concepts to advanced features. Whether you¿re a database beginner or an advanced user, you will find this book a valuable addition to your library.

Korry Douglas is the Director of Research and Development for Appx Software. Over the last two decades, he has worked on the design and implementation of a number of high-level, high-productivity languages and development environments. His products interface with many relational (and non-relational) databases. Working with so many different database products (Oracle, Sybase, SQL Server, DB2, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MSQL) has given him a broad understanding of the commonalities of, and differences between, databases.

Susan Douglas is the President and CEO of Conjectrix, Inc., a software company specializing in database technologies and security tools. Consulting to the end-user community has given her widespread database experience and a real appreciation for high-quality programs and flexible tools powerful enough to handle data well and intuitive enough to actually use.

Korry and his wife (and best friend) Susan raise horses in rural Virginia. Both are natives of the Pacific Northwest, but prefer the sunshine and open spaces offered by Virginia. They both telecommute, preferring to spend as much time as possible with their 200 or so animal friends (who never complain about buggy code, inelegant design, or poor performance). Susan is an avid equestrienne; Korry gets to clean the barn.