PostgreSQL is arguably the most powerful open-source relational database system. It has grown from academic research beginnings into a functionally-rich, standards-compliant, and enterprise-ready database used by organizations all over the world. And it's completely free to use.

Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL offers readers a thorough overview of database basics, starting with an explanation of why you might need to use a database, and following with a summary of what different database types have to offer when compared to alternatives like spreadsheets. You'll also learn all about relational database design topics such as the SQL query language, and introduce core principles including normalization and referential integrity.

The book continues with a complete tutorial on PostgreSQL features and functions and include information on database construction and administration. Key features such as transactions, stored procedures and triggers are covered, along with many of the capabilities new to version 8. To help you get started quickly, step-by-step instructions on installing PostgreSQL on Windows and Linux/UNIX systems are included.

In the remainder of the book, we show you how to make the most of PostgreSQL features in your own applications using a wide range of programming languages, including C, Perl, PHP, Java and C#. Many example programs are presented in the book, and all are available for download from the Apress web site.

By the end of the book you will be able to install, use, and effectively manage a PostgreSQL server, design and implement a database, and create and deploy your own database applications.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to PostgreSQL

Chapter 2 Relational Database Principles

Chapter 3 Getting Started with PostgreSQL

Chapter 4 Accessing Your Data

Chapter 5 PostgreSQL Command-Line and Graphical Tools

Chapter 6 Data Interfacing

Chapter 7 Advanced Data Selection

Chapter 8 Data Definition and Manipulation

Chapter 9 Transactions and Locking

Chapter 10 Functions, Stored Procedures, and Triggers

Chapter 11 PostgreSQL Administration

Chapter 12 Database Design

Chapter 13 Accessing PostgreSQL from C Using libpq

Chapter 14 Accessing PostgreSQL from C Using Embedded SQL

Chapter 15 Accessing PostgreSQL from PH P

Chapter 16 Accessing PostgreSQL from Perl

Chapter 17 Accessing PostgreSQL from Java

Chapter 18 Accessing PostgreSQL from C#

Appendix A PostgreSQL Database Limits

Appendix A PostgreSQL Database Limits

Appendix B PostgreSQL Data Types

Appendix C PostgreSQL SQL Syntax Reference

Appendix D psql Reference

Appendix E Database Schema and Tables

Appendix F Large Objects Support in PostgreSQL

About the Author

Richard Stones graduated from university with an electrical engineering degree, but decided software was more fun. He has programmed in a variety of languages, but only admits to knowing Visual Basic under duress. He has worked for a number of companies, from the very small to the very large, in a variety of areas, from real-time embedded systems upward. He is employed by Celesio AG as a systems architect, working principally on systems for the retail side of the business. He has co-authored several computing books with Neil Matthew, including Beginning Linux Programming, Professional Linux Programming, and Beginning Databases with MySQL.