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What's PGSQL? What do
I need it for?
PostgreSQL is a database management system
which can be run only on Unix platform boxes.
A database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything
from a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast
amounts of information in a corporate network. To add, access,
and process data stored in a computer database, you need a
database management system such as PostgreSQL. Since computers
are very good at handling large amounts of data, database
management plays a central role in computing, as stand-alone
utilities, or as parts of other applications.
PostgreSQL is a relational database management
system.
A relational database stores data in separate tables rather
than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds
speed and flexibility. The tables are linked by defined relations
making it possible to combine data from several tables on
request. The SQL part of PostgreSQL stands for "Structured
Query Language" - the most common standardized language
used to access databases.
PostgreSQL is Open Source
Software.
Open source means that it is possible for anyone to use and
modify it. Anybody can download PostgreSQL from the Internet
and use it without paying anything. All who are so inclined
can study the source code and change it to fit their needs.
PostgreSQL uses the GPL (GNU General Public License). You
may address http://www.gnu.org
to define what you may and may not do with the software in
different situations. If you feel uncomfortable with the GPL
or need to insert PostgreSQL into a commercial application,
you can buy a commercially licensed version from us.
Managing PostgreSQL Database
and Its Users
To use PostgreSQL databases within H-Sphere, you must be
subscribed to a plan supporting PostgreSQL. Please consult
our IT consultants in selecting the plan that will best correspond
your needs.
As opposed to other 'SQL' databases supported by H-Sphere,
PostgreSQL users are 'principal' relatively to PostgreSQL
databases, which means a database cannot be created without
a user. In other words, each database should be bound to a
previously created owner. This means that you must first create
a user and then create a database. There is only one owner
for each database, however the database can be used by others
who obtain permissions from the owner.
Click the PosgreSQL database menu:
If you do not have any PostgreSQL users, you will be taken
to the PostgreSQL Users page by default. Otherwise,
the first page to appear is PostgreSQL Database listing your
H-Sphere system PostgreSQL databases.
Creating PostrgeSQL
User(s)
Go to the PostgreSQL Users page and fill in the Add
PostgreSQL user form:
As you enter the user name and the access password which
he will use in future to get at database(s), you will
be taken to the form similar to the one below:
where:
Host Name: the name of the server hosting your H-Sphere
system PostgreSQL database(s).
Port Number: the number of the port users get to their
database(s).
Here you can:
- add other users (click the Add icon);
- delete the existent user (click the Trash Can icon).
N.B.:
the Trash Can icon appears only next to 'non-owner' users,
i.e. if the user is an owner of a PostgreSQL database, you
won't be able to remove him. In this case you'll have to
remove the PostgreSQL database he is an owner of first.
E.g. In the above shown example pg_user1 is
an owner of the PostgreSQL database, thereby no Trash icon
is displayed and you can't remove him on the contrary to
pg_user2.
- change users password - click the Change icon.
Important:
the user privileges can be changed in the phpPgAdmin.
Creating PostgreSQL
Database
Now that you have at least one user, you can turn to PostgreSQL
database creation.
Remember:
- you can create no PostgreSQL database without 'pre-created'
users;
- each database must have an owner.
To create a database, click the PostgreSQL Databases in
the PostgreSQL Database menu. You will be taken to
the form similar to the one below:
Click the Add icon to enter the parameters of the
database:
When you've created a database and assigned its owner you
can change the database settings. Click the database link
in the Database name field or the Edit icon
in the Controls field. You will be taken to the form
similar to the one below:
where:
- Host Name: the name of the server hosting your
H-Sphere system PostgreSQL database(s).
- Port Number: the number of the port through which
users get to their database(s).
- Database Name: click the Trash Can icon to delete
the database.
- phpPgAdmin: an http client that enables
users to configure and operate PostgreSQL database(s).
- Database Description: a comment that will help
you identify the this database among others.
- Quota: shows how much of disk space is being used
of a database disc quota which you can change by clicking
the Change icon.
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