DBA 1: PostgreSQL Essentials
Intensive five-day training for database administrators who want to build a strong foundation in PostgreSQL operations and management.
Upcoming dates
Dates are being finalised — email us and we'll let you know the moment registration opens.
What you'll learn
The course is designed to equip you with the essential skills to install, operate, maintain, and monitor PostgreSQL for reliable and efficient database management.
The course covers
- PostgreSQL installation
- Definition of key PostgreSQL concepts
- Day-to-day DBA tasks
- Maintenance tasks
Prerequisites
Basic command line skills in Linux, basic SQL knowledge, and familiarity with networking concepts and configuration files.
For details see the course terms & conditions.
Syllabus
1PostgreSQL project and community
- Project history: evolved from Ingres in the 1980s, PostgreSQL became open source in 1996 and is now a leading relational database system.
- Release cycle: annual major releases and five years of support, with quarterly minor updates.
- Ecosystem: rich set of extensions and tools (e.g., PostGIS, Citus, TimescaleDB) via CREATE EXTENSION .
- Community: active global network with mailing lists, events (e.g., pgconf.eu ), and user groups.
- Core concepts: SQL standard compliance, ACID properties, MVCC, transactional DDL, and isolation levels.
2Installing PostgreSQL
- Installation methods: from source, PGDG packages, Docker, or Windows installer.
- Key SQL objects: instances, global (databases, roles, tablespaces) and local (schemas, tables, views, indexes).
- Important configuration files: postgresql.conf for server settings, pg_hba.conf for client authentication.
- Version management: applying minor upgrades and planning major version migrations.
3Operating PostgreSQL Day-to-Day
This course chapter introduces the essential operations for running PostgreSQL on a daily basis. Highlights include:
- Connecting to PostgreSQL: using psql and understanding connection methods.
- Database management: creating and managing databases with SQL commands and createdb / dropdb .
- Roles and privileges: understanding and administering roles, privileges, and ownership.
- Routine maintenance: performing tasks with VACUUM , ANALYZE , and REINDEX .
- Data export/import: using pg_dump , pg_dumpall , and pg_restore .
4Monitoring and diagnostics in PostgreSQL
This chapter introduces key tools and techniques for monitoring PostgreSQL databases and diagnosing performance issues. Highlights include:
- Server logs: analysing logs to detect problems, audit activity, and identify slow queries.
- Statistics views: exploring built-in views such as pg_stat_activity .
- Key performance indicators: monitoring cache hit ratio, I/O, WAL activity, replication, and bloat.
- Extensions and tools: using extensions and external tools for diagnostics and query analysis (e.g., pg_stat_statements , auto_explain , pgBadger ).
- Troubleshooting workflow: applying a structured process to quickly identify and resolve issues.
Frequently asked questions
What prerequisites do I need for DBA1?
Basic command line skills in Linux, basic SQL knowledge, and familiarity with networking concepts and configuration files. No prior PostgreSQL experience is required.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who attend all five sessions receive a Certificate of Attendance from Data Egret.
Are sessions recorded for later viewing?
No. Sessions are not recorded. This encourages active participation and allows open Q&A discussions.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please refer to our Course Terms and Conditions for our cancellation and rescheduling policy.
Can my company book this for a group?
Yes. We offer group bookings and can arrange dedicated sessions for teams. Contact us at contact@dataegret.com for group pricing.
What tools or software do I need?
You need a computer with a stable internet connection and the latest version of Zoom installed. All practical demonstrations are shown live by the instructor.
Instructor
Close to 15 years in the database space, specialising in client support, maintenance and architectural consulting. A recognised PostgreSQL contributor and a contributor to pgBackRest.
Ready to book, or still deciding?
Live, small-group, taught by the people who run PostgreSQL in production. Questions first? Write to us — no sales pitch.