Using PostgreSQL on Linux (Ubuntu)

A guide for installing, setting up, and using PostgreSQL on Linux (Ubuntu).

What is PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that enables you to organize, store, and manage data in structured objects with tables and allows relationships between these tables.

What You Should Know About PostgreSQL on Ubuntu

According to the official PostgreSQL download page, PostgreSQL is by default available and supported by all Ubuntu versions. It is one of the reasons why I recommend using this RDBMS over any other open source (RDBMS) options on Ubuntu. Nonetheless, you may have your personal preference/favorite for different reasons.

Installing PostgreSQL on Linux (Ubuntu)

Let's get to it, shall we?

1. Open your terminal

2. According to the official PostgreSQL download page, you should run the following command:

   apt install postgresql
   

   • But you may run into a Permission denied error:

     

   • In that case, run the command as a superuser with sudo:

     sudo apt install postgresql
     

     

3. Explore more ways to install postgreSQL on Ubuntu for automatic updates throughout the support lifetime of PostgreSQL in the official PostgeSQL download page

Setting Up PostgreSQL

• To use PostgreSQL seamlessly, we will need to create a user.

Creating a User on PostgreSQL

1. Switch to the PostgreSQL Server by running the following command on your terminal:

   sudo -i -u postgres
   

   

2. To create a user with a password, run the following command (also see option 3 below):

   createuser NameOfUserHere -P
   

   • Replace NameOfUserHere with your preferred name for the new user.

   • You will be prompted to enter a password for the new user and confirm it.

   • When you're done creating the new user, type exit and press ENTER to exit the postgres server.

     

3. An alternative (recommended) approach is to use the --interactive flag.

   • Run the following command:

     createuser -P --interactive
     

   • This will prompt you to enter the following:

     • Name of the role/user you want to create
     • The password and password confirmation for this new user
     • Whether to assign a superuser role to this new user (recommended if you haven't created any other user)

   • When you're done creating the new user, type exit and press ENTER to exit the postgres server.

     

Creating a Database with PostgreSQL

After creating a user, you may proceed to create a database.

1. Run the following command to open a postgres shell:

   psql
   

   

2. Run the following command to create a new database

   CREATE DATABASE nameOfYourNewDb;
   

   • Replace nameOfYourDb with your preferred name for your database.

   • Please remember to add a semicolon ; after each line.

   • When you've created your new database, type \q and press ENTER to exit the postgres shell.

     

That's it! You've created your first database which you can use locally to store data.

PostgreSQL Official Documentation

Check out the official PostgreSQL documentation for more ways that you can use and interact with PostgreSQL.

Using Your New PostgreSQL Database

Check out the following guide to learn how to use your new database in a Python- Django application.