Structure of This Book
This book is divided into four parts, each focused on a different aspect of a PostgreSQL database system. It also includes a complete command reference, and a small set of technical appendixes.
Part I, is a general overview of PostgreSQL. It documents what it is, where you can obtain it, and how to install it on your system. It also covers a wide variety of compilation options which allow you to customize PostgreSQL to your needs.
Part II, includes everything from general information on relational databases and the structured query language (SQL), to advanced extensibility of PostgreSQL’s functions and operators. Chapter 3, begins with relational database and table concepts, and introduces the basics of statements, keywords, identifiers, and data types. Chapter 4, delves deeper into the use of SQL, covering how to perform essential database functions such as creating and altering tables, inserting rows into tables, copying data, retrieving result sets, and using views.
Chapter 5, expands on the variety of operators and functions built into PostgreSQL, while Chapter 6, includes extra information on the use of the psql and PgAccess database clients. Concluding the part is Chapter 7, which details the more advanced PostgreSQL features such as indices, inheritance, arrays, constraints, triggers, sequences and cursors. This chapter also documents PostgreSQL’s advanced extensibility with user-defined operators and functions.
Part III, explores topics with which you ...