OpenBSD PostgreSQL Database - Beginner Guide
OpenBSD PostgreSQL Database - Beginner Guide
PostgreSQL is a powerful open-source database. Here's how to install and use it on OpenBSD.
Step 1: Install PostgreSQL
OpenBSD makes it easy with pkg_add:
pkg_add postgresql15-server - installs PostgreSQL 15
Important:
This installs the server only. You may also want:
pkg_add postgresql15-contrib - additional tools and extensions
Step 2: Initialize the Database
PostgreSQL needs to be initialized before first use:
pkg_add postgresql15-server (if not already done)
postgresql-setup init - initializes the database cluster
This creates the data directory at:
/var/postgres
Step 3: Start PostgreSQL
Start the database server:
rcctl enable postgresql-15 - enables on boot
rcctl start postgresql-15 - starts immediately
Check status: rcctl status postgresql-15
The first time you start it, it may print some informational messages - this is normal.
Step 4: Connect to PostgreSQL
Switch to the postgres system user:
su - postgres
Enter your password (the one you set during installation)
Now connect to the database:
psql
You should see a prompt: =#
Common first commands:
\\l - list all databases
\\du - list all users/roles
\\q - quit PostgreSQL
Step 5: Create Your First Database
While logged in as the postgres user:
createdb myfirstdb - creates a new database named "myfirstdb"
To quit PostgreSQL: \\q, then type exit to exit the su session.
To connect later: You can use:
psql myfirstdb (as any user with permission)
psql -U youruser -d myfirstdb (with username specified)
Step 5: Basic SQL Commands
Inside the PostgreSQL prompt (=#):
CREATE TABLE users (id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, name TEXT, email TEXT);
INSERT INTO users (name, email) VALUES ('John', 'john@example.com');
SELECT * FROM users; - view your data
\\q - quit
Full tutorials: Search for "PostgreSQL tutorial" for more comprehensive learning.
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Article author: Arthur Isaev
