Write production-grade SQL
Turn complex application logic into efficient, scalable SQL queries that run fast in real systems.
Write efficient SQL by design
Build queries that perform well naturally by leveraging proper schema design, relational modeling, and PostgreSQL advanced features.
Design schemas that scale
Model data and relationships that hold up under growth, load, and real-world constraints.
Start with the foundation
The book is your entry point to a complete PostgreSQL system. Learn the fundamentals, practice with real data, then apply advanced techniques in production.
You get the complete book with practical SQL techniques, real-world examples, and datasets to follow along and experiment.
Delivered through the companion app: read online, run every SQL query live in your browser via PGLite, download as PDF and ePub, and use the Docker starter kit for a local dev environment. Your purchase email is your login — no separate account needed.
No-questions-asked refund
Get a physical copy of the book to read, annotate, and keep at hand while you work. The paperback is designed to be a practical companion—something you can open next to your editor or database console as you apply the concepts.
It includes the full digital edition as well, so you can switch seamlessly between reading on screen and working through examples locally. Same content, different format—choose what fits your workflow best.
No-questions-asked refund
Practical Skills That Still Apply
The Second Edition, Updated (2026) covers PostgreSQL 10 through 18 — the core architecture, query optimization strategies, indexing approaches, and data modeling practices are all current.
The course and workshop cover current PostgreSQL releases.
SQL Doesn't Expire
The core of what you'll learn — window functions, CTEs, aggregates, indexing strategy, normalization, concurrency, extensions — is as relevant in PostgreSQL 17/18 as it was in PostgreSQL 11. SQL doesn't expire.
Where newer versions have introduced improvements (partitioning, logical replication, generated columns, improved EXPLAIN), the concepts taught here give you exactly the foundation needed to understand and use those features.
This is not a book about PostgreSQL version X — it's a book about thinking in SQL.
Always Up to Date
The Second Edition, Updated (2026) is now available — covering PostgreSQL 10 through 18, with a new chapter on vector search with pgvector, 56 new figures, and a fully integrated companion lab. Everyone who purchases receives all future updates free of charge.
Learn SQL, performance, and data modeling that works in production
The Art of PostgreSQL is a complete, practical system to move from writing queries to designing and operating real data systems. Start with the book to build solid foundations, run SQL live in your browser with the companion app, and go deeper with structured courses.
A complete PostgreSQL course packaged in three tiers:
for
different goals and experience levels.
Solid SQL foundations — correctness, clarity, essential patterns.
Performance mastery — query plans, optimization, indexing.
System design — schemas, scaling, production decisions.
Designed for advanced users, a focused 3-hour deep dives with real-time Q&A.
Workshops cover specific topics in depth — window functions, EXPLAIN plans, aggregation patterns, and more. Limited seats, expert instruction, immediate application.
No install needed to start.
The companion app ships a live PostgreSQL 16 engine in your browser, powered by PGLite. Open any lesson and every query runs against real datasets — F1 results, music charts, MoMA collection, and more. No account, no install, no cloud connection.
Prefer a local environment? The Docker starter kit ships with the same datasets pre-loaded. One command to start, works with any SQL client.
The book is the foundation. Everything else builds on it.
Already have the book? Take the Course
Not sure yet? Try free — sample chapters and lessons, no credit card required.
Learn → Practice → Apply → Master
Foundation & reference
Structured learning
Live sessions with the author
SQL in your browser, built in
Not convinced yet? Get a FREE chapter including the full Table of Contents!
