PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

by Jimmy Angelakos

Recognize and avoid these sixty common PostgreSQL mistakes!

The best mistakes to learn from are ones made by other people! In PostgreSQL Mistakes and How To Avoid Them you’ll explore dozens of common PostgreSQL errors so you can easily avoid them in your own projects.

In PostgreSQL Mistakes and How To Avoid Them you’ll learn how to:

- Avoid configuration and operation issues
- Maximize PostgreSQL utility and performance
- Fix bad SQL practices
- Solve common security and administration issues
- Ensure smooth migration and upgrades
- Diagnose and fix a bad database

Fixing a PostgreSQL mistake can be tricky, time-consuming, especially when you’re making risky live changes to an in-use system. PostgreSQL Mistakes and How To Avoid Them helps you spot and sidestep problems in setup, admin, querying, migrating, upgrading, and more. Follow these tested best practices to ensure top performance and future-proof your database systems for seamless change and growth. Each of the 60 mistakes is carefully described and accompanied by a demo, along with an explanation that expands your knowledge of PostgreSQL internals and helps you to build a stronger mental model of how the database engine works.

about the book

PostgreSQL Mistakes and How To Avoid Them reveals dozens of configuration and operational mistakes you’re likely to make with PostgreSQL. The book covers common problems across all key PostgreSQL areas, from data types, to features, security and high availability. For each mistake you’ll find a real-world narrative that lays out context and recommendations for improvement.

As you go, you’ll appreciate the illustrative code snippets (both bad and good), database schema samples, mind maps, and comparison tables that show the pros-and-cons of different approaches. You’ll soon have the pro-level knowledge of a battle-scarred PostgreSQL veteran without the pain of experiencing the mistakes in your own projects!

Genres: Programming, Computers

200 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2024

Reviews

[Christophe De Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I was thinking I was not a PostgreSQL noob.

[Paul Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

PostgreSQL mistakes and how to avoid them was a very insightful read on PostgreSQL. The author's knowledge of PostgreSQL and its inner workings really shines in this book. Regardless of your level of understanding on PostgreSQL, this book is very well written and will appeal to both beginners and those with many years of experience under their belt.

As someone who has been in the IT industry for over 25 years, and having been exposed to many of the RDBMS platforms out there, found this book to contain many useful and varied topics on PostgreSQL. I’m not ashamed to say I learnt many things from this book along the way, which I have continued to use or pass on to others. This is also my go to book for junior developers who are wanting to know more about PostgreSQL or those starting out their journey.

So if you are looking for a good book; that is well written; covering common topics; how one might implement them and then how to better implement them; then this is the book for you. Regardless of your skill level, this is a book you will learn from and you find it an invaluable addition to your bookshelf.

[SERGIO BRITOS]

"PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them" is an invaluable resource for anyone working with PostgreSQL, from beginners to seasoned professionals. The book excels at highlighting common pitfalls and, more importantly, providing clear, actionable strategies to prevent them.

What I like more its practical approach. It doesn't just list theoretical issues; it delves into real-world scenarios, offering concrete examples and best practices that can be immediately applied.

The author has done an excellent job of breaking down complex topics into digestible explanations, making even the more intricate aspects of PostgreSQL accessible. Whether you've stumbled upon common errors yourself or are looking to proactively strengthen your PostgreSQL knowledge, this book serves as an essential guide. It's a highly recommended read that will undoubtedly save you time, headaches, and potential data disasters.

[Mikael Dautrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a solid resource if you're looking to improve, audit, or refactor PostgreSQL configurations or code. Interestingly, many of the pitfalls it covers aren’t just theoretical—you can find them in production setups, even in large companies with complex infrastructures.

The format is tip-based, not always easy to retain just by reading. Therefore, it makes the most sense as a reference to keep at hand, rather than something you read once and internalize.

Disclaimer : I reviewed this book for Manning.

[İhsan Akin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definitive source on avoiding common pitfalls in PostgreSQL. Jimmy Angelakos combines deep technical knowledge with real-world experience, making this a must-read for developers and DBAs alike.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has the right amount explanation as someone who is not too familiar with PostgreSQL internals. It is engaging and not dry. No yapping. First time I genuinely enjoyed and finished reading a tech book.