It never ceases to amaze us that, much like every year since we first launched the survey in 2019, PostgreSQL users continue to show up for the most reliable and performant database out and around. And not only is PostgreSQL still the most popular database, but the fandom is spreading like wildfire, to the tune of 51 % of survey respondents saying they used the database more in 2023 than in previous years.
The PostgreSQL community continues to achieve significant milestones each year (👋 PostgreSQL 17), and the annual State of PostgreSQL survey contributes to this ongoing success by capturing the collective experiences of its users. We've had some eye-opening insights in the past few years.
The survey results and anonymized raw data will be published in a report that will be available for free to everyone. The report will provide valuable insights into the PostgreSQL ecosystem and help us understand how we can collectively make PostgreSQL better.
Help us make the survey more representative. Share this far and wide! Post it in the company chat. Holler about it on social media.
The State of PostgreSQL in 2023
PostgreSQL's popularity is increasing
The number of PostgreSQL newbies using the database for less than a year has grown from 6.1 % in 2021 to 6.4 % in 2022.
Reasons for choosing PostgreSQL over other databases
Open-source, reliability, and extensions are the main reasons PostgreSQL users selected in 2022. Interestingly, users' years of experience were directly related to their answers. “Reliability” was the number one reason for choosing PostgreSQL among those using the database for 11-15 years, while “open source” was primarily pointed out by users with up to five years of experience.
PostgreSQL usage is growing
Small and medium businesses (0-50 employees) use PostgreSQL a lot more than they did one year ago. The result is on par with a broader trend: PostgreSQL’s usage is growing, with the majority of respondents—55 %—saying that they have increased their usage of the database.
PostgreSQL users ♥️ documentation
The majority of respondents (76.1 %) answered that technical documentation is their preferred way of learning about PostgreSQL, followed by long-form blog posts (51.5 %) and short-form blog posts (43.3 %). But the new generation of PostgreSQL enjoys learning slightly differently: users with less than five years of PostgreSQL experience gravitate toward video as their first option.
PostgreSQL users increasingly use DBaaS providers to deploy PostgreSQL
The trend that we first saw in 2021 continues in 2022. Fewer PostgreSQL users reported self-managing the database compared to previous years. More respondents are using a managed PostgreSQL service to deploy the database.
Many thanks to everyone who took the time to fill in the 2023 survey. If you have not done that yet, grab a cup or glass of your favorite beverage and share your experience with PostgreSQL.
The survey is open until Monday, September 30.
So what are you waiting for? Take the survey now and share your voice with the PostgreSQL community!
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