How to Install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu

In this article, We will learn How to Install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu, Postgres claims high admiration as an open-source relational database system because it offers robust technological features. Developers typically refer to it as simply Postgres. Data engineers, together with developers and IT administrators, rs select PostgreSQL frequently because it provides outstanding scalability together with robust security features and an extensive set of features. PostgreSQL supports a powerful relational database system when it works with Ubuntu Linux to deliver effect, a cost-efficient infrastructure for contemporary applications.

The guide presents a detailed tutorial for PostgreSQL installation across the Ubuntu platform. This guide introduces best practices alongside configuration methods for secure systems that optimize PostgreSQL performance and demonstrates how these elements support successful Ubuntu-based PostgreSQL setup for all application scales.

Introduction

Organizations in various sectors, such as finance, environment, and healthcare, need advanced data management systems offering reliability along with protected data structures and powerful data processing features in the present data-rich environment. PostgreSQL distinguishes itself from other database solutions. The 1980s academic project development has expanded into a mature open-source database solution that organizations within these sectors choose frequently for their data management needs.

The combination of Ubuntu with its popular Linux distribution status synergizes beautifully to create an impressive overall system. The reliable integrity of Ubuntu, combined with its straightforward interface,e makes PostgreSQL capable of handling complex operations and provides robust solutions for diverse projects.

The installation process for PostgreSQL on Ubuntu will be detailed step by step using proven practices as well as new advantageous approaches that modern database administration requires.

Installing PostgreSQL on Ubuntu

The instructed commands automatically create a whole PostgreSQL operating system framework, which project teams can personalize through adjustment.

Step 1: System Update and Preparations

update your system’s package lists and dependencies:

Sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

• Why This Matters: The commands allow you to acquire package information updates and deploy security patches together with bug fixes to avoid instability. The installation process of PostgreSQL generates better security because it establishes a stable foundation that eliminates dependencies and outdated libraries.

Step 2: Installing PostgreSQL and Additional Packages

With Ubuntu updated, proceed to install PostgreSQL:

Sudo apt install PostgreSQL PostgreSQL-contrib -y

• The main bundle consists of the Postgresql database server and its essential utilities.
• The Postgresql-contrib package contains beneficial extension modules that boost PostgreSQL functionality ,including pg_stat_statements, store and other options.

Depending on the Ubuntu version, apt will fetch the most recent PostgreSQL version available in the official repository. Users can select PostgreSQL 13 version through the PostgreSQL Apt Repository which the PostgreSQL Global Development Group (PGDG) operates. PostgreSQL Repository becomes necessary for an establishment only when it requires PostgreSQL versions that exceed default repository potentials. 

Step 3: Post-Installation Verification

Once the installation completes, confirm PostgreSQL is running by checking its service status:

Sudo systemctl status postgresql

PostgreSQL server operation status can be checked through the ‘active (running)’ message. This message indicates that the PostgreSQL server is running and operational. You should check the logs in /var/log/PostgreSQL/ to detect problems such as permission errors or misconfigurations when the PostgreSQL server becomes inactive or fails.

Basic PostgreSQL Configuration

After installing PostgreSQL, you need to adjust some default settings to align with your project requirements. Key configuration files reside in the /etc/PostgreSQL/<version>/main/ directory.

1. PostgreSQL.conf
   This file houses core server settings, including memory allocation, logging, and query optimization parameters. Typical adjustments may involve:
   • shared_buffers
   • work_mem
   • maintenance_work_mem
   • max_connections
   • logging_collector
2. pg_hba.conf
   This file determines how client authentication is handled. Entries in pg_hba.conf specify who can connect, from which host, and the authentication method used (e.g., md5, scram-sha-256, or trust).

PostgreSQL Service Management
You can start, stop, or restart the PostgreSQL service using systemd commands:

sudo systemctl start postgresql
sudo systemctl stop PostgreSQL
sudo systemctl restart PostgreSQL

3. Keeping these commands in mind is crucial for scenarios that involve reloading configurations, applying updates, or performing maintenance.

Role and User Management

The RBAC system governs access permissions, while the operating system maintains user accounts separately from database roles.

1. Switching to the postgres User

Upon installation, a default superuser named postgres is created. To manage your database from the command line, switch to this user:

Sudo -i -u postgres

Then, you can access the PostgreSQL shell (psql) by typing:

psql

2. Creating a New Role

To generate a new database role, use the command:

CREATE ROLE new_role_name WITH LOGIN PASSWORD 'strong_password';

Alternatively, you may opt for the interactive command-line tool:

createuser --interactive

When using the Interactive method you need to provide both the role name and its permissions status between superuser and non-superuser. Per consistency principles grant privileges to roles only when the requirements of their roles are met.

3. Creating a Database

Roles and databases often go hand in hand. After creating a role, you can assign a dedicated database to it:

created new_database_name --owner=new_role_name

The command automatically designates the newly created database to the specified user role for ownership control.

4. Granting Privileges

Within the PostgreSQL shell, use the GRANT statement to assign specific rights:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE new_database_name TO new_role_name;

Adjust privileges as required. Businesses must establish selective database table access within their production areas through specific GRANT SELECT permissions while blocking all write actions.

Optimizing PostgreSQL Performance

• PostgreSQL databases implement built-in control functions which enable users to enhance processing power. PostgreSQL database tuning success delivers to users the capability of defining application and analytics system quality levels for e-commerce clients.

1. Memory Settings

• Public understanding recommends deducing shared_buffers memory from 20 to 25 percent of total system memory. Server logic indicates to enhance performance with 2GB among 8GB RAM space.
•  shared_buffers = 2GB
• The sorting and hashing procedures within the query require work_mem to allocate memory during execution. The performance of queries becomes better when you increase these settings while more system resources are needed especially when multiple processes run simultaneously.

2. Effective Cache Size

The effective_cache_size setting in PostgreSQL.conf hints at how much memory the operating system dedicates to file caching. Aligning effective_cache_size with real system capabilities can guide the query planner to make better indexing and join strategies.

3. Connection Tuning

• max_connections: The maximum client connection capacity during simultaneous operation is defined by this system parameter. The workload capacity of systems becomes overwhelmed even though the maximum attractive value is displayed when the server value is set too high. PgBouncer serves as a connection pooler that improves performance when working with substantial connection numbers.
• Connection pooling: Stable performance is maintained through the use of PgBouncer or pgpool-II tools which minimize performance overhead caused by opening and closing new connections frequently.

4. Index Strategy

Indexes are crucial for efficient data retrieval. PostgreSQL supports various index types (B-tree, Hash, GIN, GiST, BRIN), each designed for specific use cases:

• B-tree for most equality or range queries
• GIN or GiST for full-text search or complex data types
• BRIN for very large tables where data is physically sorted (ideal for time-series data)

Continuous optimization and analysis of your indexing strategies can lead to tremendous performance gains.

Advanced Features and Extensions

One of PostgreSQL’s distinguishing factors is its extensibility. Beyond the standard relational model, PostgreSQL supports an array of extensions that introduce new data types, functions, and performance insights.

1. PostGIS

PostGIS transforms PostgreSQL into a spatial database, allowing you to store and query geographical objects. If you’re developing location-based services or GIS applications, PostGIS is essential.

2. pg_stat_statements

A built-in extension that tracks SQL queries and their performance metrics. Installing it requires adding to shared_preload_libraries in your PostgreSQL.conf:

shared_preload_libraries = 'pg_stat_statements'
After restarting, enable it in your database:
CREATE EXTENSION pg_stat_statements;

You can then explore query execution stats to optimize slow queries.

3. Hstore and JSONB

Hstore and JSONB extensions allow for semi-structured or unstructured data. This is ideal for hybrid data models that combine relational structures with flexible JSON-based formats, often used in microservices or modern web applications.

Backup, Restore, and Disaster Recovery

Data backups are non-negotiable, whether you’re running a single-instance environment or a mission-critical production deployment.

1. Logical Backups (pg_dump)

The pg_dump utility creates a logical backup of the schema and data, typically stored as a .sql file or compressed archive:

pg_dump -U postgres -d your_database > your_database_backup.sql

You can restore this file using the following:

psql -U postgres -d your_database -f your_database_backup.sql

2. Physical Backups (pg_basebackup)

For streaming replication setups or zero-downtime environments, pg_basebackup captures the entire data directory’s state:

pg_basebackup -U replication_user -h your_server -D /backup_directory -Fp -Xs -P

This form of backup is generally used when setting up replicas or ensuring your environment can be restored with minimal downtime.

3. Point-in-Time Recovery (PITR)

When you incorporate base backups (physical) with WAL segments, you can have point-in-time recovery. This method is the way to “roll forward” on transactions to a point in time, which is, of course, necessary so that you can recover from accidental data loss or corruption.

4. Backup Automation and Storage

Use cronjobr pgBackRest or Barman for scheduler backups. Export backup data into two secure repositories, such as cloud storage,e along with dedicated servers and isolated systems that serve as a backup when hardware at your home fails.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the most carefully managed PostgreSQL servers may run into issues. Below are common issues and quick insights into resolving them:

1. Service Fails to Start: Any error messages in the PostgreSQL logs need to be checked. Technical staff must review PostgreSQL.conf setup and check file permission settings because these problems typically cause this failure.
2. Authentication Failures: The correct operation of PostgreSQL depends on the proper host, database, and user entries located in the file pg_hba.conf align with your needs. Confirm that the chosen authentication method (md5, scram-sha-256, etc.) matches the user’s password encryption.
3. Performance Bottlenecks: When you need to identify slow-running queries, you should employ pg_stat_statements. Check system-level performance indicators to identify whether resource limitations of CPU, RAM or disk input/output slow down the system. Additional resources should be added,d or existing queries need s optimized according to detected performance requirements.
4. Connection Timeouts: Check the firewall settings to confirm that port 5432 (or the port you have configured) is open. Verify that the remote client’s IP is specified in pg_hba.conf.

Conclusion

Businesses depend on PostgreSQL with Ubuntu to construct robust system bases that work for enthusiast-level and large-scale enterprise deployments. Your successful completion of this guide’s instructions allows you to perform PostgreSQL installation while establishing robust roles alongside enhanced performance parameters alongside hardened security measures.

The enduring blueprint result comes from keeping PostgreSQL on Ubuntu’s stable base, which combines the proven capabilities of both systems. Evolve with technology by staying watchful about database environment updates and monitoring and by constantly improving its structure. The PostgreSQL infrastructure benefits from contemporary features, including containerization tools such as Docker or Kubernetes alongside modern replication approaches, which will enable your system to adapt to future requirements.

Establishing a database administration system requires all practitioners to aim at building a secure infrastructure that enhances scalability and achieves superior performance outcomes for critical data storage. PostgreSQL, in combination with Ubuntu, operates as a tested combination that delivers performance exactly as desired.

About the writer

Vinayak Baranwal wrote this article. Use the provided link to connect with Vinayak on LinkedIn for more insightful content or collaboration opportunities.