PostgreSQL For Mac

PostgreSQL is a database system that can run on most major operating systems, such as macOS, Linux, Windows, and so on. PostgreSQL comes with native interfaces for various well known programming languages: Java, C/C++, ODBC, Tcl, Python, Ruby, Perl, and so on.

Noteworthy is that PostgreSQL integrates SQL:2008 data types (NUMERIC, INTEGER, CHAR, BOOLEAN, TIMESTAMP, VARCHAR, DATE, or INTERVAL), and is completely ACID compliant (your database transactions are handled in a reliable manner).

To simplify the server deployment process, the PostgreSQL software package is delivered with an installer featuring a Setup Wizard: you get to specify the installation directory, the data directory, the password for the superuser account, the port the server should listen on, and the language to be used by the new database cluster.

Moreover, PostgreSQL makes use of shared memory which might be limited by the default macOS configuration. As a result, you might need to edit the sysctl.conf file before installation, in order to make sure PostgreSQL will be able to use more shared memory.

PostgreSQL provides support for basic database parameters and management tools: the SQL implementation matches the ANSI-SQL:2008 standards. However, the server also includes more advanced functionalities, and you can extend the capabilities via extensions.

Notable is the GiST (Generalized Search Tree) system that combines multiple sorting and searching functions, while allowing you to create custom data types. PostgreSQL provides access to a rules system, to an events database, and can deal with table inheritance.

To conclude, PostgreSQL proposes a database management system that proves to be both reliable and packed with a wide array of basic and advanced features. To help you get started, the developers also provide an extensive documentation.