If you’re thinking about migrating to the PostgreSQL open source database system, this guide provides a concise overview to help you quickly understand and use PostgreSQL’s unique features. Not only will you learn about the enterprise class features in the 9.2 release, you’ll also discover that PostgeSQL is more than just a database system – itэs also an impressive application platform.

PostGIS is an open source spatial database extender for PostgreSQL. It equals or surpasses proprietary alternatives, allowing you to create location-aware queries with just a few lines of SQL code, and provides a back-end for mapping applications with minimal effort.

How to implement PostgreSQL features for reliability and performance, How to use the latest PostgreSQL 9.0 features, Summaries to help DBAs with experience of other database systems, Advanced technical tips and scripts for experienced users, Best practice for planning and designing live databases, How and when to VACUUM your databases, Selecting and implementing robust backup techniques, Concise and clear guidance on replication and high availability.

Learn the right techniques to obtain optimal PostgreSQL database performance, from initial design to routine maintenance. Discover the techniques used to scale successful database installations. Avoid the common pitfalls that can slow your system down. Filled with advice about what you should be doing; how to build experimental databases to explore performance topics, and then move what you’ve learned into a production database environment. Learn best practices culled from years of work scaling PostgreSQL installations to handle demanding applications

The PHP language and PostgreSQL database server have long offered an ideal blend of practicality and power for both the novice and experienced programmer alike. Yet the continued evolution of both technologies makes them better suited to drive enterprise-class applications than ever before.

Beginning Databases with PostgreSQL offers readers a thorough overview of database basics, starting with an explanation of why you might need to use a database, and following with a summary of what different database types have to offer when compared to alternatives like spreadsheets. You’ll also learn all about relational database design topics such as the SQL query language, and introduce core principles including normalization and referential integrity.