Intro to psql

Takeaways

• psql is an interactive terminal application for connecting and interacting with your local postgres server on your machine.
• Connect using $ psql <dbname>
• psql lets you
  • Directly type and execute SQL commands to your database
  • Inspect and preview your database and database tables using psql meta-commands

Protip: type \? into psql to see a list of available commands

Useful basic psql commands

psql <dbname> [<username>]

Starts psql with a connection to dbname. Optionally use another user than current user

In psql:

# \l

List all databases on the server, their owners, and user access levels

# \c <dbname>

Connect to a database named

# \dt

Show database tables

# \d <tablename>

Describe table schema

# \q

Quit psql, return to the terminal

# \?

Get help, see list of available commands