Install PostgreSQL on Mac
Installing PostgreSQL on Mac OS can enhance our development environment, providing a robust relational database management system. In this article, we will focus on installing PostgreSQL version 11.3 using the installer provided by EnterpriseDB.
This step-by-step guide will ensure a smooth installation process, enabling us to efficiently manage databases and run SQL queries on our Mac.
Download PostgreSQL Installer for Mac
To begin, we need to download the latest stable PostgreSQL Installer specifically for our Mac OS. Visit the EnterpriseDB download page and select the version we wish to install. Ensure we choose the installer that matches our Mac OS version.
Step-by-Step Download Instructions:
- Go to the PostgreSQL Download Page.
- Choose the PostgreSQL version 11.3 installer for Mac.
- Click on the Download button to start the download process.
Installing the PostgreSQL installer
Once the download is complete, follow these steps to install PostgreSQL on your Mac:
Step 1: Launch the Installer
- Locate the downloaded dmg package in our Downloads folder and double-click to open it.
- Run the installer as an administrator user.
Step 2: Click the Next Button
- After launching the installer, click the Next button to proceed with the installation process.
Step 3: Choose Installation Folder
- Select the installation directory for PostgreSQL. By default, it will suggest
/Library/PostgreSQL/11. - Click Next to continue.
Step 4: Select Components
- We can customize the installation by selecting components such as:
- PostgreSQL Server
- Command Line Tools
- pgAdmin 4 (a web-based database management tool)
- Choose the desired components and click Next.
Step 5: Set Database Directory
- Specify the database directory where PostgreSQL will store its data. The default is typically
/Library/PostgreSQL/11/data. - Click Next to proceed.
Step 6: Set Password for Superuser
- You will be prompted to enter a password for the Postgres superuser. Make sure to choose a strong password and remember it, as it will be required for administrative access.
Step 7: Set the Port for PostgreSQL
- Specify the port number for PostgreSQL. The default port is 5432. Ensure that this port is not used by other applications. If you’re unsure, leave it at the default setting and click Next.
Step 8: Choose the Default Locale
- Select the default locale used by the database. The locale affects sorting and formatting rules. Choose your desired locale and click Next.
Step 9: Start the Installation
- Review our choices and click the Next button to start the installation process.
- Wait for the installation to complete; it may take several minutes.
Verifying the Installation of PostgreSQL
After the installation is complete, it’s essential to verify that PostgreSQL is installed correctly. Open our terminal and execute the following command:
ps -ef | grep postgres
Output
PostgreSQL Installation Output
Conclusion
In this guide, we covered the step-by-step process to install PostgreSQL on a Mac OS machine. By following these instructions, we can easily set up our database environment and use the powerful features of PostgreSQL for our applications. Whether we are developing locally or managing larger databases, PostgreSQL provides a reliable and efficient solution for our database needs. Now that our installation is complete, we can start exploring the capabilities of PostgreSQL, including creating databases, running queries, and managing data effectively.
FAQs
How do I install PostgreSQL on my Mac?
To install PostgreSQL on your Mac, download the installer from the EnterpriseDB website, run the downloaded dmg package, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Is PostgreSQL compatible with Mac?
Yes, PostgreSQL is fully compatible with Mac OS and can be easily installed using native installers provided by EnterpriseDB, Homebrew, or MacPorts, allowing you to manage databases seamlessly on your Mac.
How to install PostgreSQL and pgAdmin on Mac?
To install PostgreSQL and pgAdmin on your Mac, download the combined installer from the EnterpriseDB website, select both PostgreSQL Server and pgAdmin during the installation process, and follow the prompts to complete the installation
