Creating and Deleting a PostgreSQL Database on Ubuntu 16.04

PostgreSQL (pronounced post-gress-Q-L) is a household name for open source relational database management systems.

It is object-relational, meaning that you’ll be able to use objects, classes in database schemas, and the query language.  In this tutorial, we will be demonstrating some essentials like how to create, list, and delete a Postgres database.

If you have already installed PostgreSQL on the Ubuntu 16.04 VPS server using our last tutorial, your next step is to create a database using Postgres and the command line.  You’ll be accomplishing this task by using the default superuser, postgres, to log in.

Creating a PostgreSQL Database

Step 1: Login as the Postgres User.

su - postgres

Step 2: Enter the PostgreSQL Environment.

psql

With the psql command, you’ll be greeted by its current version and command prompt.

psql (9.5.14)
Type "help" for help.
postgres=#

Step 3: Create the Postgres Database.

Let’s create our first database by typing in the command below.  Replace dbname with the database name of your choice.

CREATE DATABASE dbname;

Listing a PostgreSQL Database

Verify Creation of PostgreSQL Database

Using the following command allows us to view the databases in our PostgreSQL instance (you can ignore, delete or utilize the default databases: postgres, template0, template1)

postgres=# \list

Deleting a PostgreSQL Database

Once you’ve backed up your data, removing your PostgreSQL database is a cinch!  The process to delete your Postgres database is similar to creating it, only we will be using the drop command. In my command line example, the database name is dbname. By using the list command in the previous section, you’ll be able to view your databases’ names. Replace dbname with your database’s name in the command below.

DROP DATABASE dbname;

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