What do you like best about PostgreSQL?
Mature, open source object-relational database management system (ORDBMS) with a long track record of reliability and technical depth. Its architecture and feature set are consistently robust, making it suitable for a wide range of workloads, from transactional systems to analytical platforms.
Key technical features that consistently perform well:
• Extensibility: PostgreSQL supports custom data types, operators, and functions. The extension ecosystem is rich, with modules like PostGIS for geospatial data and pgcrypto for cryptographic functions. The ability to define user-defined functions in multiple languages (PL/pgSQL, Python, Java, etc.) adds flexibility for advanced use cases.
• Advanced SQL compliance: The system implements a wide array of SQL standards, including support for window functions, common table expressions (CTEs), and recursive queries. This makes it possible to express complex business logic natively within the database.
• ACID transactions and data integrity: PostgreSQL enforces atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability. Features like multi-version concurrency control (MVCC), foreign keys, triggers, and check constraints are implemented in a way that works reliably even under heavy concurrent loads.
• Native support for structured and semi-structured JSON, XML, HSTORE, and array data types are first-class citizens. This allows for flexible schema design and hybrid workloads that combine relational and document-oriented paradigms.
• Indexing and performance optimization: Multiple indexing strategies are available, including B-tree, GiST, GIN, and SP-GiST, which handle diverse query patterns efficiently. Full-text search and partial indexes are supported natively.
• Cross-platform and deployment flexibility: PostgreSQL runs on all major operating systems (Linux, Windows, macOS, BSD variants) and is available as a managed service from most cloud providers, as well as for on-premises deployment.
• Active and knowledgeable community: The documentation is comprehensive, and the global community is engaged and responsive. Frequent updates and a transparent development process ensure quick access to new features and security patches. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
What do you dislike about PostgreSQL?
• Enterprise-readiness out of the box: Core PostgreSQL does not include certain enterprise features natively, such as built-in sharding, advanced high-availability clustering, or automated failover. These require third-party tools or extensions, each with their own operational complexity and support models.
• Performance tuning complexity: Achieving optimal performance for large or highly concurrent workloads often demands careful configuration and ongoing monitoring. Autovacuum and query planner behaviors, in particular, may need manual adjustment in demanding environments. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.