PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a durable, extensible relational database that often works well as the primary data store for application systems.

Extensions and adjacent tools #

PostGIS #

PostGIS is a real PostgreSQL extension. It adds support for geographic objects and spatial queries, so PostgreSQL can store and query points, lines, polygons, rasters, coordinate systems, distances, intersections, containment, and other GIS data.

With PostGIS, PostgreSQL can act as a spatial database. This is useful for maps, routing, boundaries, nearby-search features, geospatial analytics, and formats such as GeoJSON or GeoPackage workflows.

PostgREST #

PostgREST is not a PostgreSQL extension. It is a separate web server that turns a PostgreSQL database into a REST API.

PostgREST reads database schemas, tables, views, functions, roles, and permissions, then exposes them over HTTP. The database remains the source of truth for authorization and data shape. It is useful when the API can be modeled cleanly around PostgreSQL relations, views, and stored functions.