Install and connect to PostgreSQL

Choose a verifiable PostgreSQL 18 setup for Ubuntu, macOS, Windows, or containers

Docker quickstart

Create a disposable PostgreSQL 18 instance in minutes.

Linux packages and PGDG

Verify package names, versions, repositories, and security evidence by distribution.

Install on Ubuntu

Choose between distribution packages and the PostgreSQL Apt repository.

Install on macOS

Compare Homebrew, Postgres.app, and the graphical installer.

Install on Windows

Use the EDB installer linked by the PostgreSQL project and verify the service.

Choose the outcome first

Outcome	Recommended starting point
Learning, tests, CI	Docker: pin the version and remove the whole environment cleanly
Persistent local development	OS package manager or a trusted installer
Production	A managed cloud service or team-managed repositories and configuration automation
Client only	Install `psql`/libpq client packages without running a local server

Installed does not mean internet-ready

Do not expose port 5432 publicly or turn pg_hba.conf into a global trust rule merely to connect. Verify locally first, then design networking, TLS, authentication, and least privilege.

Run the same verification everywhere

psql --version
psql -X "postgresql://postgres@localhost:5432/postgres" \
  -c "select current_setting('server_version'), current_database(), current_user;"

Client and server versions are separate. psql --version reports only the client; the SQL query reports the server you actually reached. When versions coexist, record executable path, port, and data directory.

Next, read psql connections and SSL, then create an application role that is not a superuser.