Skip to main content

How To Install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 22.04

In this guide, we will explain how to install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 22.04, enabling you to set up a powerful relational database system for your projects.

PostgreSQL is one of the leading and most widely used open-source relational database management systems. It is a robust and high-performance database system known for its flexibility in handling multiple data types, stability, integrity, and concurrency.

Prerequisites​

Make sure you have the necessary prerequisites to successfully install PostgreSQL on Ubuntu 22.04:

  1. Launch the Ubuntu 22.04 instance on RackBank.
  2. Access the server using SSH.

Step 1: Update & Upgrade the System​

First, ensure your package list is up to date to avoid any issues with outdated packages:

sudo apt-get update -y  
sudo apt-get upgrade -y

Step 2: Install PostgreSQL​

To install PostgreSQL, use the apt package manager and run the following command from a terminal prompt:

sudo apt install postgresql postgresql-contrib -y

Step 3: Start and Enable PostgreSQL​

After installation, the PostgreSQL service starts and is enabled automatically.

Start the PostgreSQL server:

sudo systemctl start postgresql

Enable it to start when the system reboots:

sudo systemctl enable postgresql

Step 4: Check the Status​

Verify that the database service is active and running:

sudo systemctl status postgresql

Step 5: Check the Version​

Verify the version of PostgreSQL installed by running the command:

sudo psql --version

Step 6: Manage PostgreSQL Service​

PostgreSQL runs quietly in the background upon installation. By default, it listens on TCP port 5432. You can verify this using the ss command:

sudo ss -antpl | grep 5432

Step 7: Access PostgreSQL Prompt​

When PostgreSQL is installed, a standard user account named postgres is automatically created. The postgres user takes on the default PostgreSQL role as well.

Log in as the user postgres:

sudo su - postgres

Access the PostgreSQL prompt by typing:

psql

From here, you can start executing your database management tasks.

To leave the prompt, type:

\q

Exiting the prompt will return you to your postgres account in the terminal. To return to your normal account, execute the exit command:

exit

Step 8: Create a New Database​

This section covers the process of establishing a database in PostgreSQL and generating tables within it. The standard PostgreSQL installation includes three pre-existing databases: postgres, template0, and template1.

To list the existing databases, run:

\l

To create a new database, use the following command:

create database example_db;

Step 9: Create a New Table​

To make a new table and add data, first switch to the desired database where the table will be stored using the \c command:

\c example_db

After transitioning to the database, you can create tables. The syntax for creating a table in SQL is as follows:

For example, to generate a table named employees with six specific columns:

CREATE TABLE employees (  
   Person_ID serial PRIMARY KEY,  
   First_Name VARCHAR (50) NOT NULL,  
   Last_Name VARCHAR (50) NOT NULL,  
   Email VARCHAR (255) UNIQUE NOT NULL,  
   City VARCHAR (50) NOT NULL,  
   Age INT NOT NULL  
);

Step 10: Verify Table Creation​

To check the status of the created table in a database, use the \dt command:

\dt

You can also view the table schema using the following syntax:

\d table_name

Step 11: Insert Data into the Table​

To insert values into the table, use the INSERT INTO table_name command:

INSERT INTO employees VALUES (001, 'Phil', 'Shaw', 'philshaw@gmail.com', 'New York', 40);

Step 12: Check Table Records​

To view the records in the table, run the following command:

SELECT * FROM employees;