Can PostgreSQL surpass Oracle in 2025? | SQLFlash

Oracle and PostgreSQL remain powerful database choices for DBAs and software engineers in 2025. This guide gives you a balanced look at these database systems, focusing on key differences in features like data types and concurrency control. We show how Oracle’s Real Application Clusters provide advanced scalability, while PostgreSQL offers cost savings with its open-source licensing. We also discuss how AI-powered tools like SQLFlash reduce optimization costs, helping you make the right decision for your project.

1. Introduction: Oracle vs. PostgreSQL in 2025

Oracle Database and PostgreSQL are still important choices for managing data in 2025. This article helps database administrators (DBAs) and software engineers understand the differences between them. Choosing the right database depends on your project’s specific needs.

I. What is Oracle Database?

Oracle Database is a commercial relational database management system (RDBMS). This means you need to pay for a license to use it. Oracle is known for being able to handle a lot of data (scalability), working quickly (performance), and having many features.

πŸ’‘ Oracle offers different versions, like:

  • Standard Edition: A version for smaller businesses.
  • Enterprise Edition: A version with more features for bigger companies.

II. What is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is an open-source object-relational database management system (ORDBMS). This means it’s free to use! PostgreSQL is known for being able to add new features easily (extensibility), following database standards, and having a helpful community.

III. Why are They Still Relevant?

Both Oracle and PostgreSQL have been around for a long time and are still used by many companies. They are reliable and can handle different types of projects.

IV. What This Article Will Cover

This article will compare Oracle and PostgreSQL, focusing on:

  • Features: What each database can do.
  • Cost: How much each database costs to use.
  • Community: How much support you can get and what tools are available.

🎯 We aim to give you a balanced view so you can decide which database is best for your needs in 2025. The best choice depends on what your project needs.

V. The Rise of AI in Database Management

Keep an eye on new AI tools like SQLFlash. These tools can help you make your database run faster and reduce the amount of time you spend manually optimizing it. AI is changing how we manage databases.

2. Feature Comparison: Core Capabilities and Key Differences

This chapter compares Oracle and PostgreSQL based on their features. We will look at data types, how they handle many users at once (concurrency control), and how well they grow as your data gets bigger (scalability and performance).

I. Data Types

Data types are like labels for the information you store in your database. They tell the database what kind of data to expect, like numbers, text, or dates.

  • Oracle: Oracle has many built-in data types. This includes:

    • VARCHAR2: For text.
    • NUMBER: For numbers.
    • DATE: For dates.
    • BLOB: For storing large files like images or videos.
    • CLOB: For storing large text files.
    • SDO_GEOMETRY: For storing location data (like points on a map). πŸ—ΊοΈ
    • Oracle also lets you make your own data types, called user-defined types. This is useful if you have special kinds of data that the standard types don’t fit.
  • PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL is also flexible with data types. It has common types like:

    • VARCHAR: For text.
    • INTEGER: For whole numbers.
    • DATE: For dates.
    • BYTEA: For storing binary data (like files).
    • PostgreSQL lets you create custom data types and domains. Domains are like subtypes of existing data types, with rules about what values are allowed.
    • PostgreSQL has built-in support for JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) data. This is useful for storing data that doesn’t fit neatly into rows and columns. It also supports hstore, which lets you store key-value pairs within a single field. πŸ’‘
FeatureOraclePostgreSQL
Built-in TypesRich set, including spatial and multimediaStandard set with JSON and hstore support
User-Defined TypesSupportedSupported, with custom domains

II. Concurrency Control

Concurrency control is how the database handles many people using it at the same time. It makes sure that everyone sees the correct data and that changes don’t get mixed up.

  • Oracle: Oracle uses Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC). This means that when someone changes data, Oracle keeps a copy of the old data. Other people can still read the old data while the changes are being made. This avoids blocking. Oracle uses row-level locking, meaning only the row being changed is locked, not the whole table. Oracle uses “undo” to rollback the changes and “redo” to apply the changes.

  • PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL also uses MVCC. When someone changes data, PostgreSQL creates a new version of the row. Readers see the last committed version. This is called snapshot isolation. Long-running transactions may have performance impacts. PostgreSQL uses Write-Ahead Logging (WAL). This means changes are written to a log file before they are applied to the database. This makes sure that changes are not lost if the database crashes. ⚠️

FeatureOraclePostgreSQL
MVCCYesYes
LockingRow-levelRow-level
Transaction LogsUndo/RedoWrite-Ahead Logging (WAL)

III. Scalability and Performance

Scalability is how well the database can grow to handle more data and more users. Performance is how fast the database can do its job.

  • Oracle: Oracle has advanced features for scalability.

    • Real Application Clusters (RAC) lets you run Oracle on many computers at the same time. This spreads the load and makes the database faster.
    • Partitioning lets you divide large tables into smaller pieces. This makes it easier to manage the data and run queries faster. 🎯
  • PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL also has ways to scale:

    • Connection pooling lets you reuse database connections. This saves time and resources.
    • Read replicas let you copy the database to other servers. These servers can handle read requests, which takes the load off the main server.
    • Sharding lets you divide the database into smaller pieces and store them on different servers.
    • Newer versions of PostgreSQL have improved parallel query execution. This means that queries can be run on multiple cores at the same time, making them faster.
FeatureOraclePostgreSQL
Horizontal ScalingReal Application Clusters (RAC)Connection Pooling, Read Replicas, Sharding
PartitioningYesYes
Parallel QueriesYesImproved in recent versions

3. Cost and Licensing: Understanding the Financial Implications

Choosing a database involves more than just its features. The cost of the database, including licenses and ongoing maintenance, is a very important factor. Let’s look at the cost and licensing models of Oracle and PostgreSQL.

I. Oracle

Oracle uses a commercial licensing model. This means you need to pay to use their database software. ⚠️ Oracle’s licensing can be complex, and it’s important to understand the different options to avoid unexpected costs.

  • Per-Core Licensing: Oracle primarily uses per-core licensing. This means you pay a fee for each CPU core that Oracle Database uses. The cost per core can be significant.
  • Named User Plus (NUP) Licensing: This option charges a fee for each user who accesses the database. It’s suitable when you have a limited number of users.
  • Processor License: This license is based on the number of processors your server has.

Example Scenario: Imagine a company with a server that has 2 processors, each with 10 cores. If they choose per-core licensing, they would need to pay for 20 core licenses. This can be a substantial investment. πŸ’‘

License TypeDescriptionCost Implications
Per-Core LicenseFee based on the number of CPU cores the database uses.Can be very expensive, especially for servers with many cores.
Named User Plus (NUP)Fee based on the number of named users accessing the database.More cost-effective for applications with a limited and well-defined user base.
Processor LicenseFee based on the number of processors on the server.May be simpler to manage than per-core in some cases, but can become costly on multi-processor systems with many cores.
  • Support and Maintenance Costs: In addition to the license fee, you also need to pay for support and maintenance. This provides access to updates, patches, and technical support. Support costs are typically a percentage of the license fee.

II. PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL is open-source software. This means you can download, use, and modify it without paying any licensing fees. 🎯 This is a major advantage of PostgreSQL.

  • No Licensing Fees: The biggest cost benefit of PostgreSQL is that you don’t have to pay for licenses. This can save a lot of money, especially for large deployments.
  • Commercial Support: While PostgreSQL is free, you can still get commercial support from various vendors. These vendors offer services like consulting, training, and 24/7 support.
  • Community Support: PostgreSQL has a large and active community. You can find help and support through online forums, mailing lists, and other resources.

Cost Savings: Using PostgreSQL can lead to significant cost savings compared to Oracle. You avoid the upfront licensing fees and can potentially reduce ongoing support costs. However, you might need to invest in internal expertise or pay for commercial support to manage complex deployments.

III. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all the costs associated with owning and running a database system, not just the initial licensing fees.

  • Hardware Costs: Both Oracle and PostgreSQL require hardware to run. The hardware requirements will depend on the size and complexity of your database.
  • Administrative Overhead: You need DBAs to manage and maintain your database. The cost of these administrators should be included in your TCO calculation.
  • Development Costs: Developing applications that work with your database also costs money. This includes the cost of programmers, testing, and deployment.
  • Training and Expertise: You need to train your staff to use and manage your database. This can include the cost of training courses and certifications.
Cost CategoryOraclePostgreSQL
Licensing FeesSignificant per-core or per-user fees.None. Open-source.
Support CostsMandatory support contracts, typically a percentage of license fees.Optional commercial support available, or rely on community support.
Hardware CostsCan be high depending on the edition and features used.Typically lower hardware requirements.
Administrative OverheadRequires specialized Oracle DBAs.Can be managed by general DBAs with PostgreSQL knowledge.
Training CostsOracle-specific training is often required.PostgreSQL training is widely available and often less expensive.

Important Consideration: Choosing PostgreSQL doesn’t automatically mean lower TCO. If you lack internal expertise and need to rely heavily on paid support, your TCO could be higher than expected. Similarly, Oracle’s performance optimizations in some workloads may justify the higher licensing costs. A thorough analysis of your specific needs is crucial.

4. Ecosystem and Community: Support, Tools, and Extensibility

The ecosystem and community around a database are very important. They provide support, tools to manage the database, and ways to add new features. Let’s see how Oracle and PostgreSQL compare.

I. Oracle

Oracle has a large and well-established ecosystem. This means there are many tools and a lot of support available.

  • Tools: Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM) is a tool for managing Oracle databases. It helps you keep track of performance, security, and backups.
  • Support: Oracle offers different levels of support. You can pay for support to get help when you need it. They have certified professionals who can help you with any problems.
  • Documentation and Training: Oracle provides lots of documentation and training materials. You can learn how to use Oracle databases through their courses and guides.
FeatureDescription
Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM)Database management tool for monitoring, administration, and performance tuning.
Support OptionsPaid support plans with varying levels of service and response times.
TrainingComprehensive training courses and certifications available.

II. PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL has a strong open-source community. This means many people work together to make it better.

  • Community: The PostgreSQL Global Development Group helps guide the development of PostgreSQL. Many companies and individuals contribute to the project.
  • Extensions: PostgreSQL has many extensions that add new features. For example:
    • PostGIS: Adds support for geographic data, like maps.
    • TimescaleDB: Helps manage time-series data, like sensor readings.
    • Citus: Allows you to split your database across many computers for faster performance.
  • Tools: There are many tools available for PostgreSQL, both open-source and commercial. These tools can help with tasks like database design, management, and monitoring.
ExtensionDescription
PostGISAdds support for geographic data.
TimescaleDBOptimized for time-series data.
CitusEnables distributed PostgreSQL for scalability.

πŸ’‘ Key takeaway: PostgreSQL’s open-source nature means a large community provides support and extensions. Oracle offers comprehensive paid support and tools.

III. Choosing Between Ecosystems

The best ecosystem for you depends on your needs.

  • If you need guaranteed support and a complete set of tools from one vendor, Oracle might be a good choice.
  • If you prefer a community-driven approach and a wide range of extensions, PostgreSQL might be better. 🎯 Consider your team’s skills and your budget when making your decision.

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