PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL at a glance

PostgreSQL is a leading open-source relational database, behind a vast range of applications. The project ships coordinated minor releases (bug and security fixes) for all supported major versions on a quarterly schedule, plus major releases yearly.

For admins minor updates within a major version are low-risk and should be applied promptly — they don't change the on-disk format, so it's usually a package update and restart. Major-version upgrades are planned migrations (pg_upgrade or dump/restore) that warrant testing. PostgreSQL belongs on the internal network with authentication, TLS and least-privilege roles. Track the end-of-life date of your major version — after that, security fixes stop. Extensions and the connected apps should be checked for compatibility before major upgrades.