Why Databases? Why PostgreSQL? In today's digital world, data is at the heart of every application, from social media platforms to banking systems, from e-commerce websites to IoT devices. To manage this data efficiently, reliably, and securely, we need a robust system known as a database management system (DBMS). Among the many DBMS options available, PostgreSQL stands out as a top choice for developers and enterprises alike. Here’s why PostgreSQL is a go-to database for modern applications: -Standards-compliant and ACID-compliant for strong reliability -Supports both relational and non-relational data (via JSON, hstore) -Extensible because you can create your own data types, operators, and functions. Advanced indexing and full-text search capabilities -Runs on all major OS platforms and integrates well with cloud environments While PostgreSQL 17 is the latest version, this guide focuses on PostgreSQL 16. In many production environments, it’s common to work with the n-1 version for stability and upgrade planning.