PostgreSQL Installation & Setup on macOS

PostgreSQL Installation & Setup on macOS

Introduction to PostgreSQL

What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). It is widely used by startups, enterprises, and developers because it is reliable, scalable, and similarly follows SQL standards.

PostgreSQL supports:

● Structured data using tables

● Complex queries using SQL

● Transactions (ACID compliance)

● Indexes, views, triggers, and stored procedures

Because of these features, PostgreSQL is often used in real-world applications such as web apps, data analytics platforms, enterprise systems, and backend services.

Why learn PostgreSQL as a beginner?

For students and freshers, PostgreSQL is an excellent database to learn because:

● It is free and open source

● It is used in many companies

● It helps you understand core database concepts clearly

● It looks good on resumes and GitHub projects

By learning PostgreSQL, you also build a strong foundation for learning other databases like MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server.

 

Basic Database Concepts

What is a Database?

A database is an organized collection of data that can be stored, managed, and retrieved efficiently.

Example:

● Student details (ID, Name, Course)

● Employee records

● Product and order information

What is a DBMS?

A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that allows users to:

● Create databases

● Insert and update data

● Query data using SQL

● Control access and security

PostgreSQL is a Relational DBMS (RDBMS).

 

Key PostgreSQL Terminology

● Database: A container that holds tables and data

● Table: Structure that stores data in rows and columns

● Row (Tuple): One record in a table

● Column (Attribute): One field in a table

● Role (User): A PostgreSQL user account

Understanding the difference between roles and databases is very important, especially on macOS.

Installing PostgreSQL on macOS

PostgreSQL can be installed on macOS in two common ways:

1. Using the Official Installer (GUI-based)

2. Using Homebrew (Terminal-based, developer-friendly)

Both methods are correct. Beginners can choose either based on comfort level.

Method 1: Installing PostgreSQL using Homebrew (Recommended)

Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS that makes installing developer tools very easy.

Step 1: Install Homebrew (If Not Installed)

Open Terminal and run:

Step 2: Install PostgreSQL using Homebrew

This command downloads and installs PostgreSQL automatically.

Step 3: Start PostgreSQL Service

brew services start PostgreSQL

Check status: brew services list

(In above video I already discussed the method 1)

 

Method 2: Installing PostgreSQL using Official Installer

System Requirements

● macOS (Intel or Apple Silicon)

● Internet connection

● Administrator access

Step 1: Download PostgreSQL Installer

1. Open your browser

2. Visit the official PostgreSQL website

3. Go to Downloads → macOS

4. Download the installer (Enterprise DB)

Step 2: Run the Installer

During installation:

● Choose PostgreSQL version (latest stable)

● Set a strong password (remember this)

● Keep the default port: 5432

● Select all components (PostgreSQL Server, pgAdmin, Command Line Tools)

This will install PostgreSQL locally on your Mac.

Step 3: Stack Builder (Important Note)

After installation, Stack Builder may open.

For beginners:

● You do not need to install anything from Stack Builder

● You can safely close or skip it

Stack Builder is used only for advanced extensions like GIS or enterprise drivers.

 

Initial Setup and Common Errors on macOS

Understanding macOS Default Behavior

On macOS:

● PostgreSQL automatically creates a role with your macOS username

● It does not always create a database with the same name

This causes common errors like:

● role does not exist

● database does not exist

● These errors are normal for beginners.

Step 1: Check Your macOS Username

Open Terminal and run:

This username is your default PostgreSQL role.

Step 2: Connect to PostgreSQL Correctly

If your database does not exist yet, connect to the default database:

Step 3: Create Your Own Database

Inside PostgreSQL:

 

Verifying Installation and Next Steps

Verify PostgreSQL Installation

Run the following commands:

If PostgreSQL opens without errors, your setup is complete.

 

Tools Installed with PostgreSQL

● psql: Command-line SQL interface

● pgAdmin: Graphical UI for database management

Beginners can use pgAdmin to visually explore databases while learning SQL.

 

Conclusion

PostgreSQL on macOS may feel confusing at first, but once installed correctly, it becomes a powerful learning tool. By understanding roles, databases, and basic SQL, beginners can confidently move toward real-world projects and career opportunities.

This guide is designed to give you a clear and beginner-friendly foundation to start your PostgreSQL journey.

 

 

Author    : Khaja Shaik

LinkedIn  : http://linkedin.com/in/shaik-khajask

Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the above information. Please click here to subscribe for further updates.

KTExperts is always active on social media platforms.

Facebook  : https://www.facebook.com/ktexperts

LinkedIn    : https://www.linkedin.com/company/ktexperts/

Twitter       : https://twitter.com/ktexpertsadmin

YouTube   :  https://www.youtube.com/c/ktexperts

Instagram  : https://www.instagram.com/knowledgesharingplatform