How To Install PostgreSQL On Ubuntu 20.04?

The Elegant Guide to Installing PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 20.04

Embarking on a journey to install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 20.04 unveils a world of relational database management, a realm where data becomes a symphony of organized information. PostgreSQL, revered for its robustness and flexibility, beckons with promises of seamless data handling and reliability. Let’s navigate this installation voyage together, unlocking the steps with finesse and clarity, transforming the intricate into the accessible.

Preparing the Ubuntu Environment

In the art of installation, preparation lays the foundation for a seamless execution. Begin by updating your system’s repository information, ensuring it’s in sync with the latest versions available. Open the terminal and employ the command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Next, validate that the apt repository contains PostgreSQL packages. The command below enables this verification:

sudo apt show postgresql

Installing PostgreSQL

With the canvas prepped, it’s time to introduce PostgreSQL to your Ubuntu system. Execute the following command in the terminal to install PostgreSQL along with its commonly used tools:

sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib

Post-installation, PostgreSQL operates as a system service. Confirm its status with:

systemctl status postgresql

Accessing PostgreSQL

In PostgreSQL’s domain, access is paramount. The default installation grants access to the PostgreSQL prompt for the system user named ‘postgres’. Enter the interactive terminal for PostgreSQL by typing:

sudo -u postgres psql

To exit the PostgreSQL prompt, invoke the command:

\q

Configuring PostgreSQL Roles and Databases

Create a user role to manage databases and assign permissions. Substituting ‘username’ with your preferred name, enter:

sudo -u postgres createuser --interactive --pwprompt

To craft a database, following the role creation, use:

sudo -u postgres createdb mydatabase

Securing PostgreSQL

Safeguarding PostgreSQL fortifies your data fortress. Begin by modifying the authentication method in the pg_hba.conf file:

sudo nano /etc/postgresql/<version>/main/pg_hba.conf

Update the authentication method from ‘peer’ to ‘md5’ for the desired connections. Secure connections demand a password. Utilize the ALTER ROLE command within the PostgreSQL prompt:

ALTER ROLE username PASSWORD 'newpassword';

With the adjustments in place, restart PostgreSQL for changes to take effect:

sudo systemctl restart postgresql

Verifying the Installation

Validation completes the installation saga. Confirm PostgreSQL’s version using:

sudo -u postgres psql -c "SELECT version();"

Navigate through these commands with agility and precision, and PostgreSQL will open its doors to a realm where data harmonizes with efficiency and resilience, awaiting your adept guidance.

The journey toward installing PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 20.04 dances through commands, configurations, and system tweaks, culminating in an environment where data thrives securely and efficiently.