PostgreSQL History Timeline and Biographies | History Timeline Generator

Postgres Project Initiation

The Postgres project was initiated at the University of California, Berkeley, led by Professor Michael Stonebraker. It aimed to create a next-generation database system that supported advanced data types and complex queries, laying the foundation for what would eventually become PostgreSQL.

Release of Postgres95

In 1994, the first version of Postgres95 was released, marking the transition from the original Postgres to a more user-friendly version. This release included support for SQL and was the first step towards the development of PostgreSQL as we know it today.

PostgreSQL Name Change and Initial Release

The name PostgreSQL was adopted in 1996 to reflect its support for SQL. The first official release, PostgreSQL 6.0, was made available, introducing numerous features and improvements over Postgres95, including better performance and extensibility.

Introduction of the PostgreSQL Community

The PostgreSQL Global Development Group was formed, creating a community-driven approach to the development of PostgreSQL. This marked the beginning of collaborative contributions from developers around the world, enhancing the database's capabilities.

PostgreSQL 7.0 Release

PostgreSQL 7.0 was released, introducing significant features such as support for multi-version concurrency control (MVCC), which improved performance and allowed for greater scalability. This version established PostgreSQL as a serious competitor in the database market.

Introduction of Point-in-Time Recovery

PostgreSQL 7.1 was released, adding support for point-in-time recovery, which allowed users to restore databases to a specific moment. This feature enhanced data integrity and recovery options, making PostgreSQL more appealing for enterprise use.

PostgreSQL 8.0 Launch and Windows Support

PostgreSQL 8.0 was launched, marking a significant milestone as it introduced native Windows support. This version also included features like tablespaces and improved performance, further solidifying PostgreSQL's position in the database landscape.

PostgreSQL 8.3 and Performance Enhancements

The release of PostgreSQL 8.3 brought major performance enhancements, including improved indexing and query optimization. This version also introduced the ability to define custom data types, making PostgreSQL even more flexible for developers.

PostgreSQL 9.0 and Hot Standby Feature

PostgreSQL 9.0 was released, introducing the hot standby feature, which allowed for read-only queries on standby servers. This greatly improved high availability and load balancing capabilities, making PostgreSQL a robust choice for mission-critical applications.

PostgreSQL 9.1 and Synchronous Replication

The release of PostgreSQL 9.1 included synchronous replication, which ensured that data was written to multiple servers simultaneously. This feature enhanced data safety and consistency, further positioning PostgreSQL as a reliable database solution.

PostgreSQL 10 and Native Partitioning

PostgreSQL 10 was released, introducing native partitioning support, which improved performance for large datasets. This version also marked the first time PostgreSQL adopted a formal versioning system, enhancing clarity for users and developers alike.

PostgreSQL 13 and Performance Improvements

PostgreSQL 13 was released, featuring significant performance improvements for both query execution and indexing. This version also introduced features like parallel vacuuming and better management of large databases, solidifying PostgreSQL's reputation for efficiency.

PostgreSQL 14 and Enhanced Security Features

The release of PostgreSQL 14 focused on enhanced security features, including improved authentication methods and better data encryption options. This version aimed to address the growing concerns around data security in modern applications.

PostgreSQL 15 and New SQL Features

PostgreSQL 15 was released, introducing new SQL features such as SQL/JSON support and improved performance for complex queries. This version continued to enhance PostgreSQL's capabilities as a leading RDBMS for developers and businesses alike.

PostgreSQL 16 and Improved Developer Experience

PostgreSQL 16 was launched, focusing on improving the developer experience with features like enhanced JSON capabilities and better integration with programming languages. This release further solidified PostgreSQL's position as a versatile and powerful database management system.