8 PostgreSQL Performance Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Gregory Smith draws on two decades of hands-on experience and deep involvement with PostgreSQL's core development to guide you through optimizing and scaling PostgreSQL databases. You’ll learn practical skills like tuning server memory, crafting effective indexes, and using monitoring tools both inside and outside PostgreSQL to diagnose performance bottlenecks. The book walks through real-world scenarios like moving from single-server limits to advanced strategies such as connection pooling and replication, making it especially useful if you're managing growing database workloads. Its examples cover versions 8.1 to 9.0 and emphasize experimentation with test databases before applying changes in production.

Andrew Atkinson’s decade-long experience with Ruby on Rails and PostgreSQL shines through in this book, which tackles the complex challenges of scaling and maintaining high-performance database applications. You’ll learn how to optimize queries, manage multi-terabyte datasets, and leverage advanced PostgreSQL features like partitioning, specialized indexes, and full-text search within Rails. The book provides hands-on exercises that guide you from development on your laptop to production environments, emphasizing reliability and maintainability. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of both PostgreSQL internals and Rails integration, this book offers practical insights without unnecessary jargon.

This tailored book delves into PostgreSQL performance optimization with a focus that matches your unique background and goals. It explores core concepts such as query tuning, indexing, and resource management while integrating advanced techniques relevant to your specific workload and PostgreSQL version. By synthesizing a broad range of expert knowledge into content that aligns with your interests, it reveals the nuances of performance bottlenecks and scalability challenges. This personalized approach ensures you concentrate on the most impactful areas of PostgreSQL performance tuning, making complex topics accessible and immediately applicable to your environment. The book offers a guided path through optimization strategies crafted just for your needs.

Henrietta Dombrovskaya brings over four decades of hands-on experience in database research and development to this guide on crafting efficient PostgreSQL queries. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how the database engine processes queries, learning to think like an optimizer to improve performance systematically. The book walks you through identifying different query types, leveraging indexes, and interpreting execution plans, alongside advanced topics like dynamic SQL and avoiding common ORM pitfalls. If you’re a database developer, administrator, or backend engineer working with PostgreSQL, this book offers the practical insights you need to build applications that run smoothly under real-world demands.

Drawing from his extensive background as a database administrator and developer, Baji Shaik offers a focused look at how to optimize PostgreSQL beyond its default settings. The book walks you through configuring system-level parameters before installation and fine-tuning PostgreSQL to match your specific environment and application needs. It covers essential topics like database monitoring, maintenance, backup strategies, and security measures for sensitive data. If you have basic PostgreSQL knowledge and want to deepen your practical skills in performance tuning and error resolution, this book provides targeted guidance without fluff.

Unlike most PostgreSQL books that skim superficial tips, this one dives into practical performance improvements from an author with over a decade managing complex database environments. You’ll explore techniques like benchmarking with multiple tools, query optimization strategies, and memory tuning tailored for PostgreSQL’s architecture. The authors also cover replication methods and load balancing essentials, providing concrete examples such as partitioning approaches and SQL injection insights. This book suits developers and administrators with some PostgreSQL experience eager to deepen their hands-on skills in performance and scalability.

This tailored book explores the intricacies of accelerating PostgreSQL query execution and tuning with a clear focus on your specific interests and background. It examines key concepts such as query planning, indexing, and configuration nuances, while addressing your unique workload and performance goals. By synthesizing collective expertise into a personalized roadmap, the book reveals how to enhance efficiency and responsiveness in your PostgreSQL environment. The content is designed to guide you through a step-by-step process that matches your current level and targets rapid performance gains over 90 days, making complex optimization accessible and relevant to your demands.

What happens when decades of Oracle performance expertise meet PostgreSQL? Siyeon Kim, with 19 years as an Oracle performance consultant, channels his deep understanding of monitoring, diagnosis, and tuning into this focused exploration of PostgreSQL 9.6. You’ll gain insights into core elements like shared buffer operations, IO processing, and optimizer mechanics, all supported by about 60 clear diagrams and reproducible scripts. The book digs into PostgreSQL’s MVCC features, Vacuum, HOT, and detailed BRIN indexing, making it particularly useful if you have some PostgreSQL experience or are transitioning from another DBMS and want to grasp the underlying principles. It’s a methodical guide that equips you with the knowledge to analyze and enhance PostgreSQL performance confidently.

Enrico Pirozzi brings decades of hands-on experience with PostgreSQL to this third edition, reflecting his deep involvement from the early days of the database system. This book unpacks advanced techniques for optimizing query performance, ensuring high availability, and maintaining efficient databases, with chapters dedicated to index strategies, replication setups, and maintenance automation. You’ll learn how to fine-tune your PostgreSQL environment for demanding workloads, making it an asset if you manage production systems or develop complex applications. While the content leans towards seasoned database administrators and developers, anyone serious about mastering PostgreSQL’s performance nuances will find practical insights here.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a Senior Database System Architect deeply involved with the PostgreSQL community, Ibrar Ahmed tackles database optimization with a clear, technical focus. You learn concrete techniques for configuration tuning, routine maintenance, and query optimization specifically tailored to PostgreSQL 9.6. For example, detailed chapters address monitoring tools and extensions that bridge PostgreSQL with other databases like MySQL and MongoDB, showcasing real integration scenarios. This book suits database administrators and developers seeking to enhance their systems’ responsiveness and scalability, though it assumes familiarity with PostgreSQL internals rather than serving as an entry-level primer.