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.
Start here to build solid foundations, then continue with the Course and Workshop to deepen your expertise.
The online edition includes everything you need to work hands-on: the datasets and all queries are provided as separate SQL files, so you can run, modify, and experiment locally. It also connects directly with the companion lab on GitHub.
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 11 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 11 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, then go deeper with structured courses, use the lab for hands-on practice, and register to expert-led workshops.
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.
One command. A full PostgreSQL environment.
Run docker compose up -d and you're done. A pre-seeded
PostgreSQL instance starts with all the book's real-world datasets
already loaded — NYSE trading data, music charts, F1 results, MoMA
collection, and more.
Open localhost:8042 to reach an interactive query pane:
browse the book's table of contents, pick a chapter, and every SQL
query from that chapter is right there — ready to run, edit, and
experiment with. No account, no install beyond Docker.
The book is the foundation. Everything else builds on it.
Already have the book? Take the course.
Learn → Practice → Apply → Master
Foundation & reference
Structured learning
Live deep dives
Hands-on practice
Not convinced yet? Get a FREE chapter including the full Table of Contents!
