Why PostgreSQL is One of the Best Databases for Modern Applications and Why We Use It

In today’s digital world, databases are the backbone of nearly every application. Whether it's websites, mobile apps, or complex enterprise systems, nothing works without a reliable database. But how do you choose the right database? And what makes PostgreSQL so special? At Heisenware, we rely on PostgreSQL to offer our users a powerful and flexible database solution that allows them to develop and scale their apps efficiently. Here are the key insights into why PostgreSQL is one of the best databases for modern applications.

This article is based on our podcast episode #67, enriched with knowledge from Wikipedia, and partially generated automatically.

What Makes an Ideal Database?

Before deciding on a database, you need to understand what makes an "ideal" database. There are seven criteria that a database should meet:

1. Flexible Data Types: A good database should support a wide range of data types to meet the needs of different use cases. Whether integers, floating-point numbers, or complex JSON structures, the database should handle everything efficiently.

2. Fast Reads: Even with large datasets, the database should be able to respond to queries quickly. Indexes play a key role here in optimizing search speed.

3. Fast Writes: In addition to reading, writing data must also be quick and efficient, especially for applications with many concurrent users.

4. Concurrency: A database should be able to process many concurrent requests without conflicts or data loss. Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC) is an important concept here, which PostgreSQL implements particularly well.

5. Standards Compliance: An ideal database should fully support the SQL standard to ensure compatibility and portability.

6. Open Source and Free: Open-source databases like PostgreSQL have the advantage of being free and supported by a large community.

7. Data Analysis and Aggregation: For applications that need to analyze large amounts of data, it is essential that the database offers functions for data aggregation and preprocessing.

Why PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL, often simply called "Postgres," is one of the most popular open-source databases in the world. But what makes it so special?

1. Flexibility in Data Types

PostgreSQL not only supports traditional relational data but also semi-structured data like JSON and XML. This means that developers can manage both structured and unstructured data in the same database—a big advantage over many other database systems.

2. Powerful Indexing

Postgres offers a variety of indexing algorithms, including B-trees and hashes, enabling fast data retrieval. This is especially important for applications that need to process large amounts of data.

3.Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC)

PostgreSQL uses MVCC to manage concurrent read and write operations efficiently. This ensures that the database remains stable and performant even under high load.

4. Extensibility

Postgres is not just a database; it's a platform. Developers can extend the database with plugins to suit their specific needs. One example is the support for geodata, which is used in applications like OpenStreetMap.

5. Open Source and Community

As an open-source project, PostgreSQL is supported by a large and active community. This means not only that the database is free, but also that it is continuously developed and improved.

Alternatives to PostgreSQL

Of course, PostgreSQL is not the only database on the market. Here is a brief overview of some well-known alternatives:

• MySQL: One of the most well-known open-source databases, particularly popular for web applications. However, licensing has become a bit more complicated since Oracle’s acquisition.

• Oracle: A powerful but expensive database system, mainly used by large enterprises.

• Microsoft SQL Server: A popular choice for companies working within the Microsoft ecosystem. However, this is also a commercial product.

• MariaDB: A fork of MySQL, created after Oracle's acquisition. MariaDB is open source and offers some additional features, especially for data analysis.

• SQLite: A lightweight, file-based database often used in embedded systems or mobile applications.

PostgreSQL: The Ideal Choice for Modern Applications

PostgreSQL is an extremely versatile and powerful database that is suitable for a wide variety of use cases. With its support for flexible data types, powerful indexing, and an active open-source community, it’s an excellent choice for developers and businesses alike.

At Heisenware, we use PostgreSQL to offer our users a reliable and scalable database solution. Whether you're developing a simple web app or complex enterprise software, PostgreSQL gives you the flexibility and performance you need to build and scale your apps successfully.

However, like with any technology decision, it ultimately depends on the specific use case. While PostgreSQL is the ideal solution for many scenarios, there are also cases where specialized databases like vector databases for AI applications or SQLite for embedded systems might be a better fit. Of course, with the help of our SQL connector, you can also integrate other database solutions.