PostgreSQL

Connection Commands

PostgreSQL's psql client provides powerful database access. Learn connection methods including URLs, SSL configuration, and executing SQL files.

6 commands

Pro Tips

Store passwords in ~/.pgpass for secure, passwordless connections.

Use PGHOST, PGUSER, PGDATABASE env vars to avoid typing connection details.

Avoid passing passwords on command line - they appear in process listings.

$ psql -h localhost -U postgres -d mydb

Connect with host, user, and database.

$ psql postgresql://user:pass@localhost:5432/mydb

Connect using connection string.

$ psql "sslmode=require host=db.example.com dbname=mydb user=app"

Connect with SSL required.

$ psql -c "SELECT version();" -d postgres

Run single command and exit.

$ psql -f script.sql -d mydb

Execute SQL file against database.

$ \conninfo

Display current connection info (in psql).