Chapter 2. PostgreSQL in Action

PostgreSQL (pronounced Post-Gres-Q-L) or postgres is an open source object relational database management system. It emphasizes extensibility, creativity, as well as compatibility. It competes with the major relational database vendors such as Oracle, MySQL, SQL servers, and others. It is used by different sectors including government agencies and the public and private sectors. It is a cross-platform DBMS, and runs on most modern operating systems including Windows, MAC, and Linux flavors. It conforms to SQL, and is ACID compliant.