Course Outline
1. Introduction to PostgreSQL from a Consultant's Perspective
- Positioning of PostgreSQL (comparative look at Oracle / SQL Server / MySQL)
-
"Why is PostgreSQL different?"
- Open-source but enterprise-grade behavior
- Standard compliance (SQL standards)
- Use cases where PostgreSQL is strong and weak
2. PostgreSQL Architecture (Conceptual Mapping)
- PostgreSQL process model (multi-process vs multi-thread)
-
Memory architecture
- shared_buffers
- work_mem
- maintenance_work_mem
- WAL (Write-Ahead Logging) logic
-
MVCC approach (PostgreSQL's critical difference)
- Read consistency
- The root cause of the vacuum need
3. PostgreSQL Data Types and Distinguishing Features
-
PostgreSQL data types (advanced types)
- JSON / JSONB
- ARRAY
- UUID
- ENUM
-
Critical differences for SQL consultants:
- JSON vs JSONB difference
- Indexability
- The impact of type selection on performance
4. Indexing Logic: "Same SQL, Different Results"
-
PostgreSQL index types:
- B-Tree
- Hash
- GIN
- GiST
- BRIN
- Which index for which scenario?
- Covering index approach (INCLUDE)
- Partial index concept
5. Query Planner & Execution Plan Reading
- PostgreSQL query planner logic
- EXPLAIN vs EXPLAIN ANALYZE
- Cost-based optimization
- The impact of incorrect statistics
6. Performance Optimization in PostgreSQL
-
Vacuum & Autovacuum
- Why is it necessary?
- Incorrect configuration results
- Analyze and statistics
- Dead tuple concept
- PostgreSQL behavior in high-transaction systems
7. Transaction & Concurrency Model
- Isolation levels (PostgreSQL behavior)
- Lock mechanisms
- Blocking & deadlock scenarios
- Long-running transaction issues
8. Stored Procedure, Function, and Trigger Logic
- PostgreSQL function structure
- PL/pgSQL basic differences
- Difference between stored procedure and function
- Trigger usage scenarios
9. Security & Authorization in PostgreSQL
- Role vs user difference
- Schema-based authorization
- Row Level Security (RLS)
- Multi-tenant scenarios
10. Operational Topics in PostgreSQL (Consultant Level)
- Backup & restore (logical vs physical)
- pg_dump / pg_restore
- Replication overview
- Introduction to high availability concepts
11. SQL → PostgreSQL Migration Mindset
- Not just syntax, but <>approach difference
- Common mistakes
- Anti-patterns
- "Leave this SQL habit behind in PostgreSQL"
12. Closing – PostgreSQL from a Consultant's Perspective
- When is PostgreSQL the right choice?
- How to explain PostgreSQL to a client?
- Skill set roadmap for SQL consultants transitioning to PostgreSQL
- Q&A and case discussion
Requirements
Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of relational databases and SQL query logic
- Experience working with SQL-based databases (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL)
- Experience writing SQL queries and performing data analysis
Audience
- Professionals actively working with SQL databases
- Database experts looking to transition to PostgreSQL who have SQL knowledge
- Technical teams wanting to use PostgreSQL effectively alongside their existing SQL knowledge
Testimonials (5)
The provided examples and labs
Christophe OSTER - EU Lisa
Course - PostgreSQL Advanced DBA
Amount (a lot) of knowledge provided. Cheerful aprroach to the subject.
Oskar Debowski - Asseco Poland S.A
Course - PostgreSQL Administration, Optimization and Replication
advance topics hands on + discussion like timescaleDB and hypertable , trainer's knowledge on the subject :)
Shivam - Paessler LLC
Course - PostgreSQL Fundamentals
By the end of the 1st day, one attendee suggested more interaction in practices and the trainers took this in for the second day.
Daniela - Unit4
Course - PostgreSQL 16 for Developers and Administrators
A factual and practical approach to the subject. A nice atmosphere, conducive to asking questions.