PostgreSQL is a free and open-source relational database management system emphasizing extensibility and SQL compliance, known for its robustness, scalability, and support for advanced data types.

More About PostgreSQL

Features: Supports advanced data types and performance optimization features.

Use Cases: Ideal for complex and high-volume environments, including web services and analytics applications.

Comparison with MySQL: Often compared to MySQL, offering different performance characteristics and features.

Community and Support: Has a strong, active community and extensive documentation.

What’s the Difference Between PostgreSQL and MySQL?

PostgreSQL and MySQL are both popular relational database management systems (RDBMS), but they have some differences in terms of features, performance, and use cases. Here’s a comparison of PostgreSQL and MySQL:

1. Data Integrity and ACID Compliance:
   • PostgreSQL is known for its strict adherence to the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties, which ensure data integrity and reliability. It provides robust support for complex data types, constraints, and foreign keys.
   • MySQL also supports ACID properties but may require additional configurations or storage engines (e.g., InnoDB) to achieve the same level of data integrity.
2. Complex Queries and SQL Compliance:
   • PostgreSQL is often praised for its advanced support of SQL standards, including support for window functions, common table expressions (CTEs), and advanced indexing options.
   • MySQL also follows SQL standards but may have limitations in handling complex queries and may require more workarounds for certain operations.
3. Performance:
   • MySQL is known for its speed and scalability, making it a good choice for read-heavy workloads and high-traffic websites.
   • PostgreSQL is highly performant and optimized for write-heavy workloads and complex queries. It may outperform MySQL in scenarios with complex transactions and analytical processing.
4. Extensibility and Custom Functions:
   • PostgreSQL allows users to create custom functions in multiple programming languages (e.g., PL/pgSQL, PL/Python), which can be very useful for complex data processing tasks.
   • MySQL also supports custom functions but may have fewer programming languages available for writing them.
5. JSON Support:
   • PostgreSQL has robust support for JSON data types, making it a popular choice for applications that require JSON storage and processing.
   • MySQL also supports JSON data types but may have differences in JSON functions and performance.
6. Community and Ecosystem:
   • PostgreSQL has a strong and active open-source community and is often chosen for projects that require long-term support and reliability.
   • MySQL has a large user base and is widely adopted, especially in web applications and content management systems. It is backed by Oracle Corporation.
7. Licensing:
   • PostgreSQL uses the PostgreSQL License, which is a permissive open-source license.
   • MySQL is available under the GNU General Public License (GPL), but Oracle also offers a commercial version with additional features.
8. Replication and Clustering:
   • Both PostgreSQL and MySQL offer replication and clustering solutions for high availability and scalability. PostgreSQL has features like Streaming Replication, while MySQL has tools like MySQL Cluster and MySQL Replication.
9. Geospatial Support:
   • PostgreSQL has advanced geospatial capabilities, including support for PostGIS, which is an extension for geospatial data storage and analysis.
   • MySQL also supports geospatial data types and spatial indexing but may have fewer features than PostGIS.

 Both databases are capable of handling a wide range of applications, and the decision should be based on a careful evaluation of your project’s unique needs.

At ChemiCloud, we have just introduced the ability to use PostgreSQL to all of our customers. 

How to Create a PostgreSQL Database in cPanel

Keep in mind that the specific steps may vary depending on the hosting provider’s cPanel interface. Here are the general steps:

1. Log in to cPanel:
   • Open your web browser.
   • Navigate to your cPanel login page (usually https://yourdomain.com/cpanel).
   • Log in with your cPanel username and password.
2. Find the “PostgreSQL Database Wizard“:
   • In the cPanel dashboard, look for the “Databases” section.
   • You may see an option labeled “PostgreSQL Databases” or something similar. Click on it.
3. Create a New PostgreSQL Database:
   • Click on the “PostgreSQL Database Wizard” or a similar option to open the wizard.
4. Set up the Database:
   • Choose a name for your PostgreSQL database. It typically follows the format: username_dbname.
   • Create a strong password for the database or use the generator provided.
   • Click the “Create Database” button.
5. Create a Database User:
   • After creating the database, you’ll be prompted to create a database user.
   • Choose a username and password for the database user.
   • Click the “Create User” button.
6. Assign User Privileges:
   • You’ll need to grant privileges to the database user to allow them to interact with the database.
   • Select the database and user you just created from the dropdown menus.
   • Assign the necessary privileges (e.g., select, insert, update, delete, etc.) to the user.
   • Click the “Add User to Database” button.
7. Configure Applications:
   • If you’re using an application that requires a PostgreSQL database, such as a content management system (CMS) or web application, update its configuration settings with the database name, username, and password you created.

That’s a general overview of how to create a PostgreSQL database in cPanel using the PostgreSQL Database Wizard. Please note that the exact names and locations of options may vary based on your hosting provider and cPanel version, so it’s a good idea to consult your hosting provider’s documentation or support if you encounter any issues or difficulties.