Just Use Postgres!

Most likely, you don't need a collection of specialized databases. Just use Postgres!

Need a fast, reliable, and SQL-standard compliant relational DBMS? Just use Postgres! Need to work with geospatial data? Just use Postgres! Storing semi- or unstructured documents? Postgres can handle it! Embedding embeddings for generative AI? Here too—just use Postgres!

This book is for software engineers and database specialists who want to unlock the full potential of PostgreSQL.

In the book, you will learn how to:

• Develop applications for generative AI, geo, and temporal data
• Use Postgres for both transactional services and specialized workloads
• Work with modern SQL: window functions, CTEs, JSON, and much more
• Implement full-text search
• Understand and apply indexes: B-tree, GIN, HNSW, expression, etc.
• Use Postgres extensions to expand functionality

Since its first release in 1996, PostgreSQL has become one of the most powerful and popular full-featured open-source DBMSs. The book “Just Use Postgres!” explores the modern capabilities of Postgres for AI, time series, full-text search, geospatial data, and other types of workloads.

About the Book

The book's structure is based on practical examples of interacting with Postgres from a developer’s perspective. Each chapter focuses on a specific scenario—from e-commerce and music streaming to other applied tasks. You will learn about the functions, mechanisms, and extensions that allow you to effectively solve unique data management challenges. From the basic capabilities of a relational DBMS to the ecosystem of extensions for generative AI and more—you will discover how to get the most out of Postgres.