PostgreSQL - pgAdmin 4

What is pgAdmin 4?

The pgAdmin 4 application comes with the PostgreSQL installation. It provides a user-friendly graphical alternative to the command-based SQL Shell (psql) application for interacting with a PostgreSQL database.

1. Open pgAdmin 4

Open the Start menu, search for pgAdmin 4, and launch the application. The first launch may open pgAdmin in a desktop window or in your default web browser.

2. Connect to the PostgreSQL server

1. Expand Servers in the Browser panel.
2. Select the PostgreSQL server installed on your computer.
3. Enter the password for the postgres user.
4. Select Save password only on a trusted development machine.

A local PostgreSQL connection commonly uses host localhost and port 5432. Use the port selected during installation if it is different.

3. Create a database

1. Expand the connected server.
2. Right-click Databases and choose Create > Database.
3. Enter a database name, such as taskdb.
4. Select the owner and click Save.

4. Run a SQL query

Select the database, open Tools > Query Tool, and run a query such as:

CREATE TABLE tasks (
  id BIGSERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
  title VARCHAR(200) NOT NULL,
  completed BOOLEAN NOT NULL DEFAULT FALSE
);

INSERT INTO tasks (title) VALUES ('Explore pgAdmin 4');

SELECT * FROM tasks;

Use the execute button or press F5 to run the selected SQL.

5. Browse tables and data

Refresh the database tree, then expand Schemas > public > Tables. Right-click a table and choose View/Edit Data to inspect rows. Use the Query Tool for repeatable changes and application scripts.

pgAdmin 4 best practices

• Use separate roles for applications instead of connecting applications as postgres.
• Prefer migration scripts and version control for schema changes.
• Do not save database passwords on shared or untrusted computers.
• Use transactions when making related data changes.
• Refresh the object tree after creating or changing database objects.