How to Use PostgreSQL for Free in PostgreSQL

Is PostgreSQL free for commercial use?

PostgreSQL is an open-source RDBMS released under the permissive PostgreSQL License, making it free for personal and commercial use.

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Description

Is PostgreSQL completely free to use?

Yes. PostgreSQL’s source code is available under the PostgreSQL License, a permissive OSI-approved licence that allows free use, modification, and distribution—even in closed-source commercial products.

What license does PostgreSQL use?

The PostgreSQL License is similar to MIT/BSD. It imposes only two requirements: keep the copyright notice and license text in source distributions, and hold contributors harmless from liability.

Can I use PostgreSQL in commercial products?

Absolutely. You may embed PostgreSQL in SaaS platforms, ship it with on-prem software, or host it for clients without paying fees or releasing your proprietary code.

Does PostgreSQL require attribution?

Attribution is required only when you distribute PostgreSQL source or binary itself. Your application’s marketing site or UI need not mention PostgreSQL.

How do I install PostgreSQL at zero cost?

Installers and package managers provide gratis binaries. Example: brew install postgresql on macOS, sudo apt-get install postgresql on Ubuntu, or the EnterpriseDB Windows installer.

macOS with Homebrew

Run brew update && brew install postgresql. Start the service: brew services start postgresql.

Linux with APT

Run sudo apt-get update, then sudo apt-get install postgresql postgresql-contrib. The service starts automatically.

Windows installer

Download the free installer from EnterpriseDB, run it, and follow the wizard.

How to verify your PostgreSQL version

Connect with psql and run SELECT version(); to confirm installation and view the licensed version string.

Can I embed PostgreSQL in my SaaS app?

Yes. Package PostgreSQL in Docker, deploy on Kubernetes, or offer managed clusters. The license imposes no cloud-specific restrictions.

Best practices for using free PostgreSQL

Stay current with releases, apply security patches, and leverage extensions like pg_stat_statements. Even though it’s free, treat maintenance seriously.

Common mistakes when assuming PostgreSQL costs

See below.

Why How to Use PostgreSQL for Free in PostgreSQL is important

How to Use PostgreSQL for Free in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Check total revenue without paying licensing fees
SELECT SUM(total_amount) AS total_revenue
FROM Orders
WHERE order_date >= CURRENT_DATE - INTERVAL '30 days';

How to Use PostgreSQL for Free in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- Verify installation and license information
SELECT version();

-- Create an ecommerce database at no cost
CREATE DATABASE ecommerce;

-- Connect and create sample tables
\c ecommerce;
CREATE TABLE Customers (
    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
    name TEXT NOT NULL,
    email TEXT UNIQUE,
    created_at TIMESTAMPTZ DEFAULT NOW()
);
CREATE TABLE Orders (
    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
    customer_id INT REFERENCES Customers(id),
    order_date DATE,
    total_amount NUMERIC(10,2)
);
CREATE TABLE Products (
    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
    name TEXT,
    price NUMERIC(10,2),
    stock INT
);
CREATE TABLE OrderItems (
    id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
    order_id INT REFERENCES Orders(id),
    product_id INT REFERENCES Products(id),
    quantity INT
);

Common Mistakes

Assuming you must open-source your code because you use PostgreSQL. Fix: The PostgreSQL License is permissive; your proprietary code remains closed.
Paying third-party support fees thinking they are mandatory. Fix: Support contracts are optional; use community resources or self-support to stay cost-free.