Listing and Switching Databases in PostgreSQL

Posted on by Justin Palmer | Updated:
Reading Time: 1 minutes

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.

Listing and Switching Databases in PostgreSQL

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?

Our Support personnel are standing by to assist with this or any other issue you may encounter when tackling a problem with PostgreSQL. Our knowledgeable admins are standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!. Call our toll free line at 1.800.580.4985 or open a chat or ticket with us at support@liquidweb.com.

Video authored by Justin Palmer

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About the Author: Justin Palmer

Justin Palmer is a professional application developer with Liquid Web

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