035 | Databases in Detail: PostgreSQL — Power, Flexibility, and Standards Compliance

27.06.2025

In the previous article, we covered MySQL — a reliable and popular leader in the world of relational databases. Today we turn to its main competitor, often called “the world’s most advanced open-source relational database” — PostgreSQL. Known for its strict SQL compliance, extensive feature set, and remarkable extensibility, PostgreSQL stands out among relational systems.

What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source (BSD-licensed) object-relational database management system (ORDBMS). It began as the POSTGRES project at the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and was renamed PostgreSQL in 1996. Unlike purely relational systems, PostgreSQL incorporates object-oriented concepts, making it more flexible and powerful.