Stage 2 · Lesson 2 of 6
Why PostgreSQL is usually the right default
For a new app with users, records and relationships, is the safest first choice for most teams in 2026. It is , follows the SQL standard closely and is offered as a managed service by every major cloud and by platforms such as Supabase and Neon.
It also covers jobs that once needed a separate system. It stores and indexes JSON. It has built-in full-text search.
The pgvector adds vector similarity search, and the extension adds maps and locations. That means one database can carry a project a long way, with one backup, one set of credentials and one query language. Start here unless your gives a clear reason not to.
Common trapadding a second database before the first one has shown a real limit.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come with the full roadmap. Unlock
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- CoursePaidGrokking Relational Database Design and Modeling
Design Gurus · Intermediate · $98 one-time
Data modelling, ER diagrams, keys and normalisation for the relational default, with worked designs
- GuideFreePostgreSQL Tutorial
PostgreSQL Global Development Group · Beginner
The short official tutorial: create a database, tables and your first queries in an evening
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
json versus jsonb, the operators and how to index JSON for fast lookups
- Sefism SQL and Databases RoadmapGo deeper
The full Sefism roadmap for SQL: queries, schema design, transactions, indexes and SQL from code