Listing and Switching Databases in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL (pronounced "post-gress-Q-L") is a household name for open source relational database management systems. Its object-relational meaning that you’ll be able to use objects, classes in database schemas and the query language. As part of our PostgreSQL series, we’ll show you how to list and switch between databases quickly.

Pre-flight

Log into your Ubuntu VPS server

Step 1: Login to your Database
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: List Your PostgreSQL databases
Often, you’ll need to switch from database to database, but first, we will list the available database in PostgreSQL

postgres=# \list

By default, PosgreSQL has 3 databases: postgres, template0 and template1

Step 4: Switching Between Databases in PostgreSQL
Switching between databases is another way of saying you are closing one connection and opening another. When you need to change between databases, you’ll use the “connect” command, which is conveniently shortened to \c, followed by the database name.

\connect dbname

Or:

\c dbname

Still need a little assistance?

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Video authored by Justin Palmer