Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Newsletter Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
timer SALE ENDS IN
0 Days
:
00 Hours
:
00 Minutes
:
00 Seconds
PostgreSQL 18 for Developers
PostgreSQL 18 for Developers

PostgreSQL 18 for Developers: Crafting flexible and intelligent data-driven solutions for today's enterprise

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Marc Linster Profile Icon Vibhor Kumar
Arrow right icon
Early Access Early Access Publishing in Apr 2026
NZ$73.99
Paperback Apr 2026 379 pages 1st Edition
eBook
NZ$16.99 NZ$58.99
Paperback
NZ$73.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Marc Linster Profile Icon Vibhor Kumar
Arrow right icon
Early Access Early Access Publishing in Apr 2026
NZ$73.99
Paperback Apr 2026 379 pages 1st Edition
eBook
NZ$16.99 NZ$58.99
Paperback
NZ$73.99
Subscription
Free Trial
eBook
NZ$16.99 NZ$58.99
Paperback
NZ$73.99
Subscription
Free Trial

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Redeem a companion digital copy on all Print orders
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

PostgreSQL 18 for Developers

1 Transactional, analytical and AI business systems and their database requirements

Databases are the backbone of modern digital infrastructure. They are at the heart of eCommerce sites, banking solutions, order management systems, social media, and healthcare operations. Email systems store messages in databases and WWW search engines use them to index and rank content. Generative AI solutions leverage them to store and retrieve vast datasets for training and inference. High performance application designs use in-memory databases to reduce latency. Mobile phones use local databases to persist user preferences, recent numbers dialed, known Wi-Fi networks, and more. Almost all business systems rely on databases in one way or the other. They serve as organized repositories for information, enabling efficient storage, retrieval, and management of data.The origin of databases can be traced back to the 1960s. Initially only as ways to store data in structured files using hierarchical and network...

Why do we have multiple types of databases?

Not all database requirements are the same. Traditionally, we associated databases with ACID transactional workloads, where Atomicity (A), Consistency (C), Isolation (I) and Durability (D) were of primary importance to support transactional workloads like credit card processing, order management, or human resources data.As data has become increasingly important to drive business decisions, and data volumes have grown tremendously, a new class of databases that are focused on analytical processing emerged, where the priority is on working with very large volumes of data and answering complicated questions. At the same time, data-driven decision making started to incorporate data in many other forms, not just tables. Documents, images, and data from the IoT were added. These new requirements of high volume, high variety, and high velocity data led to the introduction of specialized data warehouse and data lake solutions, that are less concerned...

How are transactional, analytical, and AI application requirements different?

Application requirements vary widely — whether it's processing financial transactions, analyzing large volumes of data, or powering AI models. Transactional, analytical, and AI workloads each place distinct demands on database systems, from low latency and consistency to scalability and the need to scan large amounts of complex data. Read on to get a quick introduction on how each of these application types differs in its requirements.Part II (transactional applications), Part III (analytical applications) and Part IV (AI applications) dive into greater detail.

Transactional systems

Databases for transactional systems focus on the efficient processing of transactions in highly concurrent environments. The transactions tend to be short, and their execution must be ACID compliant, which we will explain using a simple three-statement example of moving money between two accounts and updating the activity...

Historical reasons for specialized solutions

Many database products are specialized for one data type, or one data access and IO method. Traditionally, transactional database systems like Oracle, MySQL, or PostgreSQL used a row-based approach as that is best suited for updating or inserting a small number of records – but is less suitable for working with very large data sets or data ranges in analytical applications.Analytics-specific databases, such as Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, or Apache Parquet leverage a columnar approach as it significantly improves read performance for de-normalized data, allows for columnar compression, and works well with large data sets – but it is less suitable for transaction processing. Similarly, specialized AI databases, like Weviate or Pinecone, are designed only for vector processing to achieve Approximate Nearest Neighbor (ANN) search.Specialized solutions are relevant as they initially outperform generalists, especially in very large...

Multiple specialty solutions are an architectural challenge

It is tempting to use a best-of-breed approach and create a hybrid data architecture that uses best of breed for transactions (e.g., Postgres), analytics (e.g., Databricks), and AI (e.g., Pinecone), and establishes data pipelines that keep the specialized databases in sync.

Figure 1.2: Integrating multiple specialty solutions through external and internal data pipelines

The data pipeline architecture allows to take advantage of the strength of different database solutions, but also has significant disadvantages:

  • Storing data in multiple places drives up cost and complicates operations like backup and recovery, and can lead to compliance issues due to data duplication. Data can also easily get out of sync, leading to inconsistency and potential data integrity problems
  • Simple data pipelines use a batch copy approach, which leads to delays in data availability (e.g., the data warehouse is 'mostly' yesterday's data...

Summary

This chapter provided an overview of the key database workloads: transactional, analytical and AI, described their requirements and demonstrated how PostgreSQL has evolved over the last 10+ years to be able to cover many of these needs.The next chapter will give a brief overview of the history of Postgres, how its transactional, analytical, and AI features evolved in the last few years, and describe why it has become the #1 choice for modern business applications that leverage transactions, analytics, and AI.From there, we will take a deeper dive into transactional use cases and how to build high-performance transactional systems using the most recent PostgreSQL capabilities.Starting with Chapter 9, we analyze the needs for analytical solutions and show how developers can create analytical solutions in Postgres, including cubes, stars, rollups and text search.Chapter 15 starts the focus on AI, vector processing, management of embeddings, and a step-by-step approach to integrating...

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Key benefits

  • Practical examples demonstrating how to use Postgres to develop intelligent applications
  • Best practices for developers of intelligent data management applications
  • Includes the latest PostgreSQL 18 features for AI, analytics, and transactions ures for AI, analytics, and transactions

Description

In today’s data-first world, businesses need applications that blend transactions, analytics, and AI to power real-time insights at scale. Mastering PostgreSQL 18 for AI-Powered Enterprise Apps is your essential guide to building intelligent, high-performance systems with the latest features of PostgreSQL 18. Through hands-on examples and expert guidance, you’ll learn to design architectures that unite OLTP and OLAP, embed AI directly into apps, and optimize for speed, scalability, and reliability. Discover how to apply cutting-edge PostgreSQL tools for real-time decisions, predictive analytics, and automation. Go beyond basics with advanced strategies trusted by industry leaders. Whether you’re building data-rich applications, internal analytics platforms, or AI-driven services, this book equips you with the patterns and insights to deliver enterprise-grade innovation. Ideal for developers, architects, and tech leads driving digital transformation, this book empowers you to lead the future of intelligent applications. Harness the power of PostgreSQL 18—and unlock the full potential of your data.

Who is this book for?

This book is intended for developers creating intelligent, data-driven applications for the modern enterprise. It features hands-on examples that demonstrate how to use PostgreSQL as the database for business applications that integrate transactions, analytics, and AI. We explore the fundamental architectural principles of data management and detail how developers utilize PostgreSQL 18's latest capabilities to build AI-enabled applications. The book assumes a working knowledge of SQL and does not address the needs of data analysts or those looking to master SQL.

What you will learn

  • How to leverage PostgreSQL 18 for building intelligent data-driven applications for the modern enterprise
  • Data management principles and best practices for managing transactions, analytics, and AI use cases
  • How to utilize Postgres capabilities to address architectural challenges and attain optimal performance for each use case
  • Methods for utilizing the latest Postgres innovation to create integrated data management applications
  • Guidelines on when to use Postgres and when to opt for specialized data management solutions
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to New Zealand

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

NZ$20.95

Premium delivery 5 - 8 business days

NZ$74.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Apr 14, 2026
Length: 379 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781806028474
Category :
Languages :
Tools :

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Redeem a companion digital copy on all Print orders
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to New Zealand

Standard delivery 10 - 13 business days

NZ$20.95

Premium delivery 5 - 8 business days

NZ$74.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : Apr 14, 2026
Length: 379 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781806028474
Category :
Languages :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just NZ$7 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just NZ$7 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Table of Contents

6 Chapters
PostgreSQL 18 for Developers: Crafting flexible and intelligent data-driven solutions for today’s enterprise Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Transactional, analytical and AI business systems and their database requirements Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The evolution of Postgres Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Database Requirements for High Volume Transactional Applications Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Transactions, ACID Compliance, and Data Normalization Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Functions and Stored Procedures Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the digital copy I get with my Print order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

When you buy any Print edition of our Books, you can redeem (for free) the eBook edition of the Print Book you’ve purchased. This gives you instant access to your book when you make an order via PDF, EPUB or our online Reader experience.

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact customercare@packt.com with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at customercare@packt.com using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on customercare@packt.com within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on customercare@packt.com who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on customercare@packt.com within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
Modal Close icon
Modal Close icon