Like I have already mentioned in my previous blog post databases are lately
in the spotlight, left and right. This was the primary reason for me
to choose yet another book on databases for review*. I know that NoSQL data stores are
more trendy for now, but the traditional RDBMS' would not give its
sheer install base out quite easily like that yet to them. The
secondary reason was, while I am a full time in SQL Server, I
suspected I may be missing something by not getting familiar with
what most IT pros may state competition.
Indeed, having a
backdoor or more correctly a mechanism to allowing custom extensions
(called add-ons from PG 9.1) to be baked into the database engine
allow taking PostgreSQL to new heights without going through costly
upgrades. One of the intersting ones (at least to me) is the
key-value store called HStore http://tinyurl.com/7ebg3nw.
Just for reference, starting SQL Server 2014 the In-Memory engine is
part of the core database. Did I mention the RDMBS' don't give up just yet?
The book mentions so
many different versions of PostgreSQL so many times at time my head
was spinning trying to recall what is used in what version or
different. After finished reading the book I started to suspect it
would be better to for the author to concentrate on the latest
version because the previous builds are so different. Overall, I fail
to grasp what was the main objective of this book. The material
coverage is sparse or not in depth, of course as a result the book is
quite short, and you can always buy another book or solicit various
forums or IRC chats.
Well, the book has
answered my primary and secondary interests, and seems that I am not
the biggest fan of the PostgreSQL as a database engine yet. Why? This
is probably because I am too spoiled by the SQL Server install and
forget way of operating. Me, as a database developer and DBA needing
to restart the database after a simple security file modification or
setting the memory via SHMMAX or threads for multiple backup restores
make me chuckle.
However, PostgreSQL
has many advantages, I admit, too. What I liked is the ability to
backup a single table or have backups restorable to any version of
the database engine is a big plus. Not to mention triggers on views,
unlogged tables or exclusion constraints. Read the book to know a lot
more.
When it comes to the book itself, Regina and Leo did a fantastic job, they know the product really well, 5 out of 5 is my
mark.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for a review as part of the O'Reilly Reader Review Program.