PostgreSQL is one of the most powerful, open-source relational database systems used globally by developers to build robust, scalable, and secure applications. This comprehensive training course equips developers with the essential skills to leverage PostgreSQL's advanced features, from data modeling and query optimization to stored procedures and JSONB processing. Designed with hands-on labs and real-world examples, this course enhances participants' ability to create efficient, maintainable, and high-performance database applications using PostgreSQL.

As the demand for high-performance, reliable, and open-source databases continues to grow, mastering PostgreSQL gives developers a competitive edge in today’s data-driven economy. Whether working on enterprise software, web development, mobile applications, or data analytics solutions, this course will empower participants with the technical knowledge and confidence to effectively implement PostgreSQL in development environments. The training emphasizes practical applications, security, performance tuning, and integration with modern development stacks.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Backend developers working on data-intensive applications
• Full-stack developers looking to master PostgreSQL as their primary database
• Software engineers transitioning from other RDBMS platforms
• Application architects building scalable solutions
• DevOps professionals managing database environments
• Technical leads and engineering managers overseeing database performance
• Data engineers integrating PostgreSQL into data pipelines
• QA engineers needing deeper understanding of database behavior
• Developers working with APIs and microservices backed by PostgreSQL
• Professionals preparing for PostgreSQL certification or advanced roles

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand and implement relational database principles using PostgreSQL
• Write and optimize complex SQL queries for high performance
• Design efficient database schemas using advanced data types and constraints
• Integrate PostgreSQL with backend development frameworks and tools
• Leverage JSON/JSONB and other PostgreSQL-native capabilities in modern apps
• Implement secure, role-based access and row-level security
• Tune performance using indexing, query planning, and vacuuming techniques
• Create and manage stored procedures, triggers, and functions using PL/pgSQL
• Set up backup, restore, and disaster recovery plans for PostgreSQL databases
• Utilize PostgreSQL in DevOps workflows and CI/CD pipelines

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to PostgreSQL

• Understanding PostgreSQL architecture
• Installing and configuring PostgreSQL
• Database roles, permissions, and authentication
• Exploring the psql command-line interface
• Basic SQL operations and queries

Module 2: Database Design and Data Types

• Data modeling best practices
• Understanding relational constraints
• Using PostgreSQL-specific data types
• Array and ENUM types
• Designing normalized schemas

Module 3: Advanced SQL in PostgreSQL

• Common Table Expressions (CTEs)
• Window functions and analytics
• Subqueries and derived tables
• Advanced JOIN operations
• Using CASE statements and expressions

Module 4: JSON and JSONB Processing

• Working with JSON and JSONB columns
• Querying and indexing JSONB data
• Transforming structured and semi-structured data
• Using JSON functions and operators
• Building REST APIs with JSON responses

Module 5: Stored Procedures and Functions

• Creating and using stored procedures
• PL/pgSQL programming basics
• Function parameters and return types
• Error handling in functions
• Using triggers and event-driven logic

Module 6: Performance Tuning and Query Optimization

• Understanding query plans with EXPLAIN
• Creating and analyzing indexes
• Avoiding common performance pitfalls
• Vacuuming and analyzing tables
• Monitoring slow queries

Module 7: PostgreSQL and Application Integration

• Connecting PostgreSQL with Node.js, Python, Java
• Using ORMs like Sequelize, SQLAlchemy, Hibernate
• Connection pooling and best practices
• Prepared statements and security
• Handling transactions from code

Module 8: PostgreSQL Security Essentials

• User and role management
• Row-level security and access controls
• Data encryption strategies
• Database auditing and logging
• Securing remote access

Module 9: Backup and Recovery

• Using pg_dump and pg_restore
• Point-in-time recovery (PITR)
• Continuous archiving
• Backup automation strategies
• Disaster recovery planning

Module 10: PostgreSQL Extensions and Tools

• Using popular extensions (PostGIS, pg_stat_statements)
• Working with pgAdmin and DBeaver
• Database versioning tools
• Installing and managing extensions
• Monitoring with pg_stat_activity

Module 11: Concurrency and Locking

• Transaction isolation levels
• Understanding MVCC (Multi-Version Concurrency Control)
• Deadlock detection and prevention
• Explicit locking techniques
• Managing concurrent updates

Module 12: Full-Text Search in PostgreSQL

• Introduction to full-text search
• Creating and using text search indexes
• Ranking and highlighting search results
• Using tsvector and tsquery
• Building search interfaces

Module 13: Partitioning and Large Data Management

• Table partitioning strategies
• Implementing declarative partitioning
• Performance considerations for large datasets
• Bulk loading data efficiently
• Managing bloated tables

Module 14: Monitoring and Maintenance

• Database health checks
• Tracking query performance metrics
• Automating routine maintenance tasks
• Using monitoring tools like pgBadger
• Setting alerts and notifications

Module 15: DevOps and CI/CD Integration

• Database migration tools and version control
• Running PostgreSQL in Docker
• Integrating PostgreSQL in CI/CD pipelines
• Scripting database deployments
• Automated testing with PostgreSQL

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.