Introduction to PostgreSQL for the data professional.

by Ryan Booz, Grant Fritchey

Adoption and use of PostgreSQL is growing all the time. From mom-and-pop shops to large enterprises, more data is being managed by PostgreSQL. In turn, this means that more data professionals need to learn PostgreSQL even when they have experience with other databases. While the documentation around PostgreSQL is detailed and technically rich, finding a simple, clear path to learning what it is, what it does, and how to use it can be challenging. This book seeks to help with that challenge.



We set about giving you all the basics of how to get started within PostgreSQL. From getting your first instance, or cluster, up and running, to backups, to server configurations, we cover all the basics. You'll learn about processing languages, monitoring, indexes and more. Every chapter provides fundamental knowledge and guidance so that you can more easily get started working with PostgreSQL. Getting started with PostgreSQL doesn't have to be a challenge and this book will help.

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2025

Reviews

[John Deardurff · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a seasoned data professional with a background in SQL Server, I found Introduction to PostgreSQL for the Data Professional to be an incredibly well-structured and approachable guide for transitioning into the PostgreSQL ecosystem. Ryan Booz and Grant Fritchey have done a fantastic job distilling the essentials of PostgreSQL into a format that’s both digestible and immediately applicable. (For the record, I do know both authors. So opinion is a bit biased).

The book starts with the basics—getting your first PostgreSQL instance or cluster up and running—and gradually builds up to more advanced topics like server configuration, backup strategies, monitoring, and indexing. What sets this book apart is its clarity and practicality. Each chapter is designed to give you just enough theory to understand the "why," followed by hands-on guidance to help you implement the "how" in real-world scenarios.

I especially appreciated the authors’ acknowledgment that PostgreSQL’s official documentation, while thorough, can be overwhelming for newcomers. This book fills that gap beautifully by offering a clear learning path without dumbing things down.

Whether you're a DBA, developer, or cloud architect (like myself), this book is a must-read if you're looking to expand your database expertise into the open-source world of PostgreSQL.

[Aidan McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a solid foundation in PostgreSQL fundamentals. The integrated approach, referencing diverse sources, effectively reinforces learning. I found it comprehensive and valuable, filling key knowledge gaps I had. Highly recommended.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for SQL Server DBAs trying to learn PostgreSQL