This book describes the use of the SQL language in PostgreSQL. We
start with describing the general syntax of SQL, then explain how
to create the structures to hold data, how to populate the
database, and how to query it. The middle part lists the
available data types and functions for use in SQL data commands.
The rest of the book treats several aspects that are important for
tuning a database for optimal performance.
The information in this book is arranged so that a novice user can
follow it start to end to gain a full understanding of the topics
without having to refer forward too many times. The chapters are
intended to be self-contained, so that advanced users can read the
chapters individually as they choose. The information in this
book is presented in a narrative fashion in topical units.
Readers looking for a complete description of a particular command
should look into the PostgreSQL 7.3 Reference Manual.
Readers of this book should know how to connect to a PostgreSQL
database and issue SQL commands. Readers that are unfamiliar with
these issues are encouraged to read the PostgreSQL 7.3 Tutorial first. SQL
commands are typically entered using the PostgreSQL interactive
terminal psql, but other programs that
have similar functionality can be used as well.
This book covers PostgreSQL 7.3
only. For information on other versions, please read the
documentation that accompanies that release.
