Postgresql books?

[Anonymous Monk]

I need to switch the backend of a DBI application from MySql to Postgresql. Are the Postgresql online docs any good or can the Perl Monks suggest any books on Postgresql that are particulary useful for Perl programmers.

Thanks for any pointers

[martymart]

Hi,

In the Reviews section of the monastery, I found a review for Practical PostgreSQL however, the review wasn't very favourable. But in one of the replies another book was mentioned in a more favourable light: PostgreSQL Developer's Handbook. Maybe you should check out this one.
Aside: there are some really useful Book Reviews in the monastery, after buying a couple of donkeys in the past, I always make sure to check out the verdict here before I even consider handing over my hard earned cash!

Martymart

[diotalevi]

I have both books and like both, I'd get the O'Reilly book Practical PostgreSQL first and follow it with the developer's handbook afterward. Practical PostgreSQL is available online for free as well though I really preferred having the paper copy for this instance. Along the way though, I'd really suggest you also get a copy of Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties. Time and again, it is one of the most recommended books on the PostgreSQL mailing lists.

[crouchingpenguin]

To add to what martymart said, you should also check out http://techdocs.postgresql.org/#convertfrom, concerning 'Converting from other Databases to PostgreSQL'.


cp
----
"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic."

[ctilmes]

I understand the need for a hardcopy book, but you also might want to check out the Interactive Documentation site and PostgreSQL Technical Documentation page.

[PERLscienceman]

There are several books out there on PostgreSQL. Here are a few:

PostgresSQL Essential Reference, by Barry Stinson, New Riders Publishing, ISBN ISBN 0735711216

PostgresSQL, by Susan Douglas & Korry Douglas, New Riders Publishing, ISBN ISBN 0735712573

Practical PostgresSQL, by John C. Worsley & Joshua D. Drake, O'Reilly, ISBN ISBN 1565928466

The first book in this list I have used extensively and have found to be quite useful. You should be able to order all of these at any major book store.

[rir]

There is also PostgreSQL: Introduction and Concepts" by Bruce Momjian ISBN 0-201-70331-9.

The Postgres docs are good. Recommended.

For those who like hard copy get a mid-range laser printer (us$500) which prints at a cost around 2 cents per page. It will pay for itself in about the first 25 technical books that you don't buy. Perhaps sooner if it leads you to read more on online also saving the cost of printing.

[dga]

The online docs are good and if you are using DBI then the changes to your perl code will not be that extensive except for some SQL queries if, for example, you want to use PostgreSQL features or have used MySQL specific features.

With DBI, if you have standard SQL queries and use the same database schema, you may have only to change the connect statement to use the PostgreSQL instead of the MySQL database backend.

[talexb]

To echo a previous comment, I would not recommend the O'Reilly book 'Practical PostgreSQL' (Worsley & Drake).

Bookmark the on-line docs. They're pretty handy.

The mailing lists are also useful, but my one experience posting there left me with a slightly singed feeling .. so post carefully.

--t. alex
Life is short: get busy!