PostgreSQL Roadmap

Step by step guide to becoming a modern PostgreSQL developer in 2026

Step 1

Introduction

What are Relational Databases?

RDBMS Benefits and Limitations

PostgreSQL vs Other RDBMS

PostgreSQL vs NoSQL Databases

Step 2

Basic RDBMS Concepts

Relational Model

Schemas

Tables

Data Types

Queries

Normalization

ACID

Step 3

Installation and Setup

Package Managers

Using Docker

Connect using psql

Managing Postgres

Using pg_ctl

Deployment in Cloud

Step 4

Learn SQL Concepts

Querying Data

Modifying Data

Filtering Data

Joining Tables

Import / Export using COPY

CTE

Subqueries

Grouping

Step 5

Configuring PostgreSQL

Postgres.conf configurations

Resources Usage

Write-ahead Log

Checkpoints

Vacuums

Replication

Query Planner

Reporting Logging and Statistics

Adding Extra Extensions

Step 6

Postgres Security Concepts

Authentication Models

pg_hba.conf

SSL Settings

Object Privileges

Grant / Revoke

Default Privileges

Step 7

Develop Infrastructure Skills

Logical Replication

pg_dump

pg_restore

Upgrade Procedures

Connection Pooling

Monitoring

Streaming Replication

Cluster Management

Resource Usage and Provisioning

Step 8

Learn to Automate Routines

Shell Scripts

Ansible

Puppet

Salt

Chef

Step 9

Application Skills

Migrations

Data Types

Data Partitioning

DDL Queries

Schemas

Step 10

Advanced Topics

MVCC

PL/pgSQL

Recursive CTE

Write-ahead Log

Statistics

Query Planning

Step 11

Troubleshooting Techniques

Monitoring and Logging

Query Analysis with EXPLAIN

pgBadger

Step 12

SQL Optimization Techniques

Indexes and their Usecases

SQL Query Patterns / Anti-patterns

Schema Design Patterns / Anti-patterns

Step 13

Get Involved in Development

Mailing Lists

Reviewing Patches

Writing Patches

Keep Learning