What is a Database? At a very basic level, a database is used to store information. We take data from some source, store it in a database (either in memory or on disk)
MSMuhammad SufiyanSoftware Engineer · Jul 26
Backend Engineering HubT-
What is a Database?
At a very basic level, a database is used to store information.
We take data from some source, store it in a database (either in memory or on disk), and then retrieve that data later when we need it.
Examples of data stored in databases:
users
products
orders
messages
A database helps us store this data in an organized and reliable way.
What is PostgreSQL?
PostgreSQL is a relational database.
This means it stores data in:
tables
rows
columns
If you have ever used Excel, you can think of a table like an Excel sheet:
each row is one record
each column is a field
Postgres is widely used in real-world applications and is known for being reliable and powerful.
How Do We Work With a PostgreSQL Database?
We do not directly type data into the database.
Instead, we connect to it using something called a client.
A client is any software that can connect to a PostgreSQL database, such as:
a backend application
a command-line tool
a database management tool
The client sends instructions to the database, and the database responds with data.
What is SQL?
When a client connects to PostgreSQL, it uses SQL.
is the language used to communicate with databases.
SQL (Structured Query Language)
Using SQL, we can:
add data
read data
update data
delete data
These are the most common operations we perform on a database.
SQL and PostgreSQL
It is important to understand the difference:
PostgreSQL is the database system
SQL is the language used to interact with the database
SQL is not limited to PostgreSQL.
Many other databases also use SQL, such as:
MySQL
Oracle
Microsoft SQL Server
Once you understand SQL, working with other databases becomes much easier.
Why SQL Matters the Most
Out of all database operations, reading data is usually the most important and also the most challenging.
Writing good SQL queries helps:
fetch correct data
improve performance
reduce unnecessary load on the database
Because of this, learning SQL is a very valuable skill for developers.
Main Challenges When Working With PostgreSQL
When working with Postgres, there are a few important areas we need to focus on.
1️⃣ Writing Queries to Retrieve Data
We use SQL to:
insert data
read data
update data
delete data
Among these, writing SQL to retrieve data efficiently is the most important part and often requires the most practice.
2️⃣ Designing the Database Structure
Before storing data, we must decide:
what tables to create
what columns each table should have
how data should be organized
This structure is called the database schema, and good design makes applications easier to build and maintain.
3️⃣ Using Database Features
PostgreSQL provides many features that can help solve complex problems.
Sometimes these features are useful, and sometimes a simple table is enough.
Understanding when to use these features comes with experience.
4️⃣ Managing a Database in Production
When a database is used in a real application, we also need to think about:
backups
handling more users
keeping data safe
maintaining performance
These are important considerations when running a database in production.
Conclusion
PostgreSQL is a powerful and reliable relational database.
It uses SQL to store and manage data efficiently.
Understanding the basics of Postgres is the first step toward building real-world applications that rely on data.
In the next blog, we’ll move forward and start working with PostgreSQL in a more practical way.
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What is PostgreSQL?
2️⃣ Designing the Database Structure
Understanding the basics of Postgres is the first step toward building real-world applications that rely on data.