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From: Bruce Momjian <bruce@momjian.us>
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Subject: Re: FAQ on Embedding Postgres
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To: Greg Smith <gsmith@gregsmith.com>
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:14 -0400 (EDT)
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Added to FAQ as part of item 1.13:

    <H3 id="item1.13">1.13) How does PostgreSQL compare to other
    <SMALL>DBMS</SMALL>s?  Can PostgreSQL be embedded?</H3>

    ...

    <P>PostgreSQL is designed as a client/server architecture, which
    requires separate processes for each client and server, and various
    helper processes.  Many embedded architectures can support such
    requirements.  However, if your embedded architecture requires the
    database server to run  inside the application process, Postgres cannot
    be used and a lighter-weight database solution should be selected.</P>

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Greg Smith wrote:
> I think it's funny to consider a specific recommendation for SQLite as 
> being out of line when you look at the history here.  The whole reason 
> that software even exists is because of the difficulty of using PostgreSQL 
> in this context.  See http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/6650
> 
> With that in mind, after gobbling up a good mix of earlier suggestions 
> here and editing a bit I think it's completely reasonable to write this:
> 
> "Q:  How can I embed PostgreSQL inside another program?
> 
> A:  PostgreSQL is designed with a client/server architecture that makes it 
> difficult to embed this way.  There are other open source databases you 
> might consider that are better suited for embedded usage, such as SQLite 
> which was designed for that purpose."
> 
> Now there's no obligation to mention Firebird/MySQL/etc. because that's 
> not in fact what they were originally designed for (there's not enough 
> angry Derby users to worry about them), and this satisfies the idea I 
> support that you give people some idea where they might look instead.
> 
> --
> * Greg Smith gsmith@gregsmith.com http://www.gregsmith.com Baltimore, MD
> 
> --
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-- 
  Bruce Momjian  <bruce@momjian.us>        http://momjian.us
  EnterpriseDB                             http://enterprisedb.com

  + If your life is a hard drive, Christ can be your backup. +