What To Know About Postgres if You’re Coming From SQL Server

The text discusses Microsoft SQL Server 1.0, which was introduced in 1989 and has since become a widely-used relational database management system (RDBMS). The author, who previously worked at Microsoft, notes that the company's database landscape is shifting towards open-source solutions like Postgres. Postgres was also born in 1989 and has grown into the most-loved database among developers today. To help SQL Server developers switch to Postgres, the article highlights key differences between the two systems, including language syntax, string delimiters, date functions, TOP vs LIMIT, identity vs serial, concatenation, and more. The author emphasizes that while both databases use standard SQL, they have distinct quirks and conventions. Additionally, the text explores the community-driven nature of Postgres, which allows for rapid innovation, flexibility in tooling and hosting options, and access to cutting-edge features before commercial databases. Ultimately, the choice between SQL Server and Postgres depends on individual needs and preferences, but both systems offer unique benefits and drawbacks.