A data control system in his most essential form, is a table. In Excel you can write down data and make calculations in a simple table. But when you have a lot of data, or data that belongs in different categories or has multiple properties, a table in Excel tends to get really messy, quite quickly. What you need is a system that can make these connections, without making countless tables with duplicated data.
PostgreSQL: what do you do with your data?
The applications we build, often come with a - pardon our french - shitload of data. To maintain this, you need a system that can store, access and edit this data.
The table: a miniature data control system
Creating more data? No, thanks!
To tackle this problem, we use PostgreSQL: an object relational database management system (ORDBMS). Quite a mouthful, but this means as much as that the system connects data from different tables. The advantages of this, are that duplication of data is minimised and that we can guarantee the quality and completeness of the data, with the pleasant consequence that information is easily found.
Reliable and innovative
PostgreSQL is not the only relational data control system. What it makes unique, is that it is enterprise software on which we can count for over more than 10 years. Besides, Postgres offers an innovative data control system and releases constantly new features that meet the demands of latest internet trends. It is an universal database in which data is stored according to current standards. This means the system is widely employable, communication with other systems and applications is smooth, and the system runs perfectly on different operating systems.
The popularity of PostgreSQL
According to Stack Overflow's latest research, PostgreSQL ranks second in the list of most popular database technologies. There are therefore more than enough examples of companies that use this technology. One of them is IMDB, the world's largest online database of movies, actors, directors, screenwriters and other people from the film industry. If you like analyzing all that data, you can! On this site you will find all the information you need. Tip: use PostgeSQL for the analysis!
More reasons to use PostgreSQL?
Absolutely. Postgres is an open source database, which means that it is not in the hands of one company, but is based on a worldwide community of developers and companies. This is not only beneficial for the development of the technology, but also makes sure there are no licensing costs or unexpected bills to be paid. Are you convinced already? Great! Because there are excellent migration tools available to turn your database into a power database in no time.
Advantages
- Its open source nature makes it easy to upgrade or extend.
- PostgreSQL offers the possibility to write code in another programming language (such as Python), without recompiling the database.
- Cost efficient: you are not tied to licenses or subscriptions. PostgreSQL is free to use.
Disadvantages
- Searching within your database is not very efficient with PostgreSQL. If there is a great need for full-text search and/or faceted search, then it is wise to combine PostgreSQL with ElasticSearch.
