Before it was named PostgreSQL, the Object-Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) was known as POSTGRES, which was distributed under an MIT License. The name was changed to PostgreSQL in 1996 and it remains unchanged until present day.

PostgreSQL is often compared to the arguably more popular MySQL. Both are database systems but each comes with its own pros and cons. While MySQL is a more lightweight solution suitable to handle a wide range of web applications, PostgreSQL can handle highly complicated data operations better than MySQL.

Features and Highlights

PostgreSQL is available as an open source software. That means everyone can use and even modify it according to their needs. And that’s just the first of so many benefits one can get from using the database system.

As an ORDBMS, PostgreSQL offers more flexibility than an RDBMS solution. That’s because it supports some object-oriented capabilities in addition to its relational features.

Instead of using locks for concurrency control, PostgreSQL uses a multiversion model to deal with data consistency. This technique is called multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) and it is a big draw for businesses. It allows concurrent interaction with the data without the need for a read-write lock for every single interaction. As a result, business efficiency can be improved significantly.

Another advantage of using PostgreSQL lies in its system catalog which is used to store relevant information. What makes PostgreSQL’s catalog different compared to conventional relational database systems is the larger amount of the information it stores due to the fact that it can hold more varied information.

The PostgreSQL database can also be extended by users, unlike the conventional ones where specific modules must be loaded to extend the databases.

PostgreSQL is highly customizable too. Interested users can develop and add plugins to customize the database system so that it fits their specific requirements. For those who don’t know how to create a custom plugin for PostgreSQL, there are guides available that can be found on the internet.

What makes PostgreSQL more interesting is the database size it can hold. There is no restriction. It can handle a huge database even if it contains 4 PB of data. This is another reason of why PostgreSQL is more preferable than other database systems to manage a huge amount of data in a business environment.

PostgreSQL Free Download for Windows

Armed with a large list of awesome features, PostgreSQL is such a powerful database system that a lot of big companies around the world use it to manage their complex data. A few notable ones among those companies include Apple, Cisco, Fujitsu, Sun Microsystem, and Spotify.

Also, the solid community of PostgreSQL is a huge plus not just for beginners who encounter problems in learning the database system, but also for advanced users who always eager to improve their knowledge on PostgreSQL.

It is thanks to the community-driven development that PostgreSQL has such a solid support from its users worldwide. The large number of extensions to extend the capabilities of PostgreSQL would not be achievable otherwise. You can click the link below to download PostgreSQL for Windows: