Create and manage databases with postgreSQL (iServer - Verio Web Hosting, Inc

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is a powerful relational database management system (rdbms) that is similar to Ingres. PostgreSQL is an enhancement of the original POSTGRES database management system, a next-generation DBMS research prototype. While PostgreSQL retains the powerful data model and rich data types of POSTGRES, it replaces the PostQuel query language with an extended subset of SQL.

iServer is pleased to announce that PostgreSQL is currently provided free of charge to our Virtual Server Administrators. While this is being provided free of charge, we recommend that you take the time to register at the PostgreSQL website.

Installing PostgreSQL

Connect to your Virtual Server using Telnet or SSH.

Add the following lines to your shell startup file. To find out which shell you are using, type

% echo $SHELL

and the name of the shell will appear.

If you are using csh or one of its variants, then add the following lines to the ~/.cshrc file on your Virtual Server:

     setenv PGDATA /usr/local/pgsql/data
     setenv PGLIB /usr/local/pgsql/lib
     setenv LD_LIBRARY_PATH /usr/local/pgsql/lib
     set path = (/usr/local/pgsql/bin $path)

If you are using the Bourne shell (sh or bash) then add the following lines to the ~/.profile file on your Virtual Server:

     PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/pgsql/bin
     PGDATA=/usr/local/pgsql/data
     PGLIB=/usr/local/pgsql/lib
     LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/local/pgsql/lib
     export PGDATA PGLIB LD_LIBRARY_PATH

Run the PostgreSQL installation script by typing:
% installpgsql
This program installs all the necessary PostgreSQL files and initializes a database with the same name as your user name. It also starts the postmaster daemon running.
The main tool for using PostgreSQL is the psql client server. To start it type:
% psql
The psql client server will start up and you will be able to type in SQL code and ask for help.
If you get the following error:
```
     Connection to database '(null)' failed.
     FATAL: PQsetdb: Unable to determine a Postgres username!
     
```
all you need do is type:
% vpwd_mkdb ~/etc/passwd
This program will read your password file at ~/etc/passwd and create a Berkeley DB format file. PostgreSQL uses this new file to look up user names and account information.

Documentation and Support
For more information and help see the PostgreSQL documentation.