I intend to transition from using MySQL to PostgreSQL, but I lack clarity on the benefits of the latter.

While I recognize the performance superiority of NoSQL databases, I'm curious about how PostgreSQL stacks up against MySQL, especially for an extensive online store.
So, what sets PostgreSQL apart from MySQL and serves as its main advantages in this scenario?

I have experience using both RDBMS, but I prefer Postgresql even though I initially started with MySQL. There are several reasons for my preference. Firstly, Postgresql tends to have fewer problems compared to MySQL. For instance, while working with MySQL, I faced issues with tables containing many text fields, where inserting less than 200 characters led to an error message that the database is translating to dynamic, and I would have to find muscle engines or Barracuda with InnoDB.

Additionally, I once encountered a problem where writing to a data field beyond its maximum capacity resulted in the database cutting off the excess without notifying me. Worst still, such issues may go unnoticed until it's too late, and everything is already broken. Postgresql also has a more rigorous approach, and there is no sense of mess.

Furthermore, Postgresql allows me to get any field of a request in the response without having to dance with last InsertId. The latest versions of Postgresql also have UPSERT, which was missing in previous versions.

While one of the disadvantages of Postgresql was the lack of an adequate UI client, this problem was solved when I started using PhpStorm.

Postgres offers several advantages such as faster processing of requests, flexible data restriction options, and low memory usage.

However, compared to MySQL, it lacks sets and requires a strict approach to work with data types. On the other hand, the perceived advantage of MongoDB over Postgres may not be accurate as it performed similarly or slower in certain tasks while consuming significantly more memory.

In PostgreSQL , arrays and sequences can be managed separately, whereas in MySQL only one incremental field per table is allowed. Additionally, several sequences can be assigned per table and one sequence can be shared amongst multiple tables, each with a configurable step.

Postgres also has window functions for calculating statistics and offers easy creation of full-text search without additional engines like Sphinx and Elasticsearch through materialized views and table inheritance. Find a more comprehensive list of features on their website. However, it's important to note that not all features are necessary for every situation, so MySQL may suffice for many tasks.

PostgreSQL offers several advantages over MySQL, especially for a large online store scenario:

1. Advanced features: PostgreSQL provides advanced features like support for complex data types, full-text search, JSONB (native JSON storage), and array handling. These features can be particularly useful for managing product catalogs, handling inventory, and performing efficient searches.

2. Extensibility: PostgreSQL allows you to create custom data types, operators, and functions, enabling you to tailor the database to your specific needs. This extensibility is particularly beneficial when dealing with complex e-commerce requirements.

3. Concurrency handling: PostgreSQL has a robust concurrency control mechanism, allowing multiple users to access and update data simultaneously without conflicts. This is crucial for high-volume online stores that experience heavy traffic and require concurrent updates.

4. Data integrity and reliability: PostgreSQL enforces strict data integrity through its support for foreign keys, transactions, and advanced locking mechanisms. It also provides tools like point-in-time recovery (PITR) and replication for ensuring data reliability and availability.

5. Performance optimizations: PostgreSQL has made significant improvements in recent years and now performs on par with or even better than MySQL in many scenarios. It includes advanced query optimization techniques, parallel processing capabilities, and the ability to utilize multiple indexes per query, leading to better performance.

6. Excellent community and ecosystem: PostgreSQL has a vibrant, supportive community that actively contributes to its development and provides extensive resources, tutorials, and libraries. The ecosystem around PostgreSQL is well-established and mature, making it easier to find tools and solutions to address specific needs.

While both PostgreSQL and MySQL are reliable databases, PostgreSQL's advanced features, extensibility, strong concurrency handling, data integrity, and performance optimizations make it a compelling choice for extensive online stores.