Azure Database for PostgreSQL

Overview

Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a managed relational database service that provides built-in high availability, automated backups, scaling, security, and compliance. It offers two deployment options:

  • Single Server: Fully managed single-instance database with automatic patches and backups.
  • Flexible Server: More control over maintenance windows, high availability, and scaling.

Use PostgreSQL for modern applications, data warehousing, geospatial data, and more.

Quickstart: Create a PostgreSQL Flexible Server

  1. Open the Azure portal and click Create a resource.
  2. Search for Azure Database for PostgreSQL flexible server.
  3. Configure the basics:
    • Subscription and Resource group
    • Server name (unique globally)
    • Region
    • Version (e.g., PostgreSQL 15)
  4. Set authentication method: Password or Azure AD.
  5. Configure compute + storage as needed.
  6. Review + create.

Once deployed, connect using psql or any PostgreSQL client.

# Example using psql
psql "host=<servername>.postgres.database.azure.com port=5432 dbname=postgres user=<username>@<servername> password=<your_password> sslmode=require"

Code Sample: Node.js with pg

const { Pool } = require('pg');

const pool = new Pool({
  user: 'myadmin@myserver',
  host: 'myserver.postgres.database.azure.com',
  database: 'mydb',
  password: process.env.PG_PASSWORD,
  port: 5432,
  ssl: { rejectUnauthorized: false }
});

(async () => {
  const client = await pool.connect();
  const res = await client.query('SELECT NOW()');
  console.log(res.rows[0]);
  client.release();
})();

Monitoring & Performance

Azure provides built‑in metrics and logs via Azure Monitor. Enable Query Performance Insight to see top‑consuming queries.

  • CPU usage
  • Memory usage
  • IO throughput
  • Active connections

Security Features

  • Data encryption at rest (Azure‑managed keys or Customer‑managed keys)
  • SSL/TLS connections enforced
  • VNet integration and private endpoints
  • Azure AD authentication
  • Built‑in firewall rules

Additional Resources