Fergus Reed

14 February 2025

Redgate’s new PostgreSQL book is now available for free download

While the documentation around PostgreSQL is detailed and technically rich, finding a simple, clear path to learning what it is, what it does, and how to use it can be challenging. Redgate’s new book, Introduction to PostgreSQL for the data professional, seeks to help with that challenge, and it’s now available for free download here.

It’s written by Redgate Advocates Ryan Booz and Grant Fritchey, who are both pillars of the PostgreSQL community, and is an extension of the numerous learning resources for Redgate and Simple Talk the authors have already produced.

It takes the learning one step further and is particularly useful for professionals familiar with MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server who are looking to quickly get up and running in PostgreSQL. The book doesn’t delve into the absolute basics of databases but instead focuses on the nuances that differentiate SQL Server from Postgres.

From getting your first instance, or cluster, up and running, to backups, to server configurations, the book covers all the basics of how to get started. You’ll learn about processing languages, monitoring, indexes, and much more – every chapter provides fundamental knowledge and guidance to help you.

In the latest episode of Simple Talks’ Coffee Chats, host and Simple Talk editor Louis Davidson was joined by Ryan and Grant to talk about the book in more detail.

The inspiration

Both Ryan and Grant could call upon their personal experience of the challenges they faced when transitioning from SQL Server to Postgres, and this in turn served as inspiration to write the book.

“We’ve spoken time and time again about our journeys from SQL Server to Postgres, so it was just that desire to want to help folks in a similar position, at least start to have that grasp,” says Ryan, who had to quickly adapt and learn Postgres for a former job after 15 years working with SQL Server.

SQL Server expert Grant, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, added: “When I started working with Postgres, I found it challenging.

“Postgres stores data on files, has transactions, has tables – the concepts are all the same. It’s the differences in language and differences in detail that really blew my brain when I was trying to learn it.”

The challenges of producing a book

Writing a book is a monumental task, and Ryan and Grant’s experience was no exception. They faced numerous challenges – not least managing deadlines amidst their busy travel schedules. The authors both travel extensively for conferences and other professional commitments, which made it difficult to find time to write.

Despite this, the experience was hugely rewarding, and a pleasant surprise for both authors was how well their different writing styles came together in the final product. The positive feedback from their technical editor, Robert Treat, also boosted their confidence and validated their efforts.

“Honestly, the best part of writing the book was getting to work with Ryan. He was just a rock star throughout the process,” Grant says.

Added Ryan: “I’ve thought about it (the book) for years and I’ve been approached at different times for various little things. There have just been so many people for both Grant and I who’ve come up and just said, ‘we need a resource like this’.

And to finally do it and have the support of a team like the two of you (Grant and Louis)…I can’t ask for anything better!”

The experience may have even changed Grant’s views on writing more books…

“Every last three or four books, every single time I’ve said ‘this is the last book, I’m not writing any more books!’ And I have not said that this time.”

To listen to the full Simple Talks podcast episode, click here.

Free Book

Introduction to PostgreSQL for the data professional

By Ryan Booz & Grant Fritchey

Download your free copy