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PostgreSQL

postgresql.org

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Spec score 8.3 #34 of 74 in Database Software

What it is

PostgreSQL is a free, open-source database system for storing and scaling complex data workloads. It uses SQL and adds object-relational capabilities, with support for primitive and structured values as well as documents, geometric data, and custom types. Its supported formats include JSON/JSONB, XML, arrays, ranges, and UUIDs. For data integrity, it provides keys, constraints, locks, transactions, savepoints, and SQL-standard transaction isolation levels. Performance tools include multiple index types, query planning and optimization, parallel processing, partitioning, just-in-time expression compilation, and asynchronous I/O. Recovery and availability features include write-ahead logging, several replication methods, point-in-time recovery, and active standbys. Security options include multiple authentication methods, access controls, row- and column-level security, and multi-factor authentication. Extensions, procedural languages, and foreign data wrappers can connect PostgreSQL to other databases or streams. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is self-hosted; no managed service is listed. The PostgreSQL License permits use, copying, modification, and distribution without a fee, subject to its conditions.

Spec sheet

What it does
PostgreSQL is an open source object-relational database system that uses and extends SQL to store and scale complex data workloads.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Platforms
The project says PostgreSQL runs on all major operating systems and provides downloads for Linux, macOS, Windows, BSD, and Solaris.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Security
Listed security features include GSSAPI, LDAP, SCRAM-SHA-256, certificate and OAuth 2.0 authentication, access controls, row- and column-level security, and multi-factor authentication.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Support
Community support options include documentation, community resources, mailing lists, and IRC, while commercial support and PostgreSQL-specific hosting are available from listed providers.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
License
The PostgreSQL License permits use, copying, modification, and distribution for any purpose without a fee or written agreement, subject to its conditions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Data types
It supports primitive, structured, document, geometric, and custom data types, including JSON/JSONB, XML, arrays, ranges, and UUIDs.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Extensions and integrations
PostgreSQL supports extensions such as PostGIS, procedural languages, and foreign data wrappers that connect to other databases or streams through SQL.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Integrity and transactions
Features include primary and foreign keys, constraints, explicit and advisory locks, transactions, savepoints, and all SQL-standard transaction isolation levels.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Performance
PostgreSQL includes multiple index types, a query planner and optimizer, parallel query processing, table partitioning, just-in-time expression compilation, and asynchronous I/O.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Recovery and replication
It supports write-ahead logging, asynchronous, synchronous, and logical replication, point-in-time recovery, and active standbys.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Release lifecycle
PostgreSQL 14 is scheduled to stop receiving fixes on November 12, 2026, according to the project homepage.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Security process
The project says it releases security fixes in minor-version updates and advises users to use the latest available minor version.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Security reporting
The PostgreSQL Project is a CVE Numbering Authority and accepts vulnerability reports at [email protected]; it does not offer bug bounties.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org
Who it is for
The project describes features for developers building applications and administrators protecting data integrity and building fault-tolerant environments.Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org

Plans and prices

PostgreSQL Free Free and open source · Use, copy, modify, and distribute without fee Read 29 Sep 2026 · postgresql.org

Every PostgreSQL plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan; license permits use and modification.
  • Supports JSON/JSONB, XML, arrays, ranges, and UUIDs.
  • Includes point-in-time recovery and multiple replication methods.
  • Offers row- and column-level security and MFA.
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted environments.

Limits

  • No managed service is listed.
  • PostgreSQL 14 is scheduled to stop receiving fixes November 12, 2026.
  • Project advises using the latest available minor version.
  • No free trial is listed.

Who it suits

It suits developers building applications and administrators who need data integrity or fault-tolerant environments. It is for teams prepared to host and manage the database themselves.

Verdict

PostgreSQL combines broad data-type support with transaction, security, and recovery features, at no fee. It is a self-hosted option, so users need to provide its operating environment.

Where Specifiction places it

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