Install PostgreSQL 18 on macOS

The PostgreSQL macOS download page lists three common paths: the EDB graphical installer, Postgres.app, and Homebrew. Do not run several installations on port 5432 accidentally; choose one and record its data directory.

Homebrew

brew update
brew install postgresql@18
brew services start postgresql@18
"$(brew --prefix postgresql@18)/bin/psql" --version

Homebrew may not place a versioned client in the default PATH. For a persistent shell setup, follow the path printed by brew info postgresql@18 instead of copying a Cellar path that can change on upgrade.

Verify the connection:

"$(brew --prefix postgresql@18)/bin/psql" -X -d postgres \
  -c "select version(), current_setting('data_directory');"

Use -U and -d when your local role or database differs.

Postgres.app or graphical installer

• Postgres.app fits local developers who want menu-bar start/stop with little system configuration.
• The EDB installer includes the server, pgAdmin, and StackBuilder for a guided graphical setup.

After installation, do not rely on an icon alone. Run this through the bundled psql:

SELECT version(), current_database(), current_user;

Diagnose multiple versions

which -a psql
psql --version
lsof -nP -iTCP:5432 -sTCP:LISTEN

A client/server version difference does not automatically require reinstalling. Confirm the actual target first; a client no older than the server is generally the safer choice.