Many years ago, when I was the Certification Manager for MySQL AB, I would be in contact with hiring managers looking for talent. One frustrated individual informed me that while it was hard to find a qualified MySQL DBA, it was impossible to find a qualified PostgreSQL DBA. Years later, that same sentiment is still around. So how do we generate more good PostgreSQL DBAs?
Someone with good DBA skills – knowing the vital importance of things like backups, not running an UPDATE or DELETE without a WHERE clause, and setting up accounts — on one database is going to be able to use that knowledge on another database. Now (big understatement coming), PostgreSQL is different than MySQL. And by different, I mean different – not better, not worse, just different. For instance, in MySQL, you use SHOW CREATE TABLE foo; but in PostgreSQL, you will use d foo. The series PostgreSQL for MySQL DBAs is designed to get you around the common area where those learning PostgreSQL from a MySQL background run into issues.
The Second Edition is now available
The PostgreSQL for MySQL DBAs Second Edition is available on YouTube.
The original PostgreSQL for MySQL DBAs series was started two years ago, and the reaction has been rewarding. Both from MySQL DBAs and from the PostgreSQL community, who are always seeking new members. In this second edition, I have streamlined some of the parts that needed it. I removed a section on indexes as that material would be better suited to a dedicated series (and a few graduate-level courses). Please let me have your feedback on this material and things you would like covered in addition.
Much of the first part of the series is building a PostgreSQL instance and loading a database very similar to the MySQL test database Sakila. This is so you can practice making queries and exploring the server. Note that this database is very similar to Sakila but just different enough to make you use the commands to explore those tables in creating your queries.
Other items covered are simple backups, materialized views, generating test data with series, and administrative tasks like vacuuming tables.
This series will help you learn to administer a PostgreSQL database instance. Much of what you know as a MySQL DBA till transpose beautifully.
Want a certification?
You can even get a certificate on PostgreSQL for MySQL DBAs from Googe Classroom after passing a test.
