How to Install and Configure PostgreSQL 13 on CentOS 8
In this comprehensive tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step through the installation and initial configuration of PostgreSQL 13 on CentOS 8. PostgreSQL 13 is a robust, open-source relational database management system known for its reliability and advanced features. Official updates and support for PostgreSQL 13 will continue until November 2025, ensuring long-term stability and security for your database environment. To perform the installation and configuration correctly, you must run all commands with root privileges or use sudo. This guide will help you get PostgreSQL 13 up and running smoothly on your CentOS 8 server, covering everything from repository setup to service management and basic database initialization.
In the Serverspace you can create a server with already installed app "PostgreSQL".
Installing PostgreSQL 13 packages
Add PostgreSQL repository to the system.
Turn off the PostgreSQL modules with an older version present in the system.
Let’s install PostgreSQL 13 server.
Initial configuration
Initialize the database.
Initializing database ... OK
Start and enable autostart of the PostgreSQL service.
Set a password for the postgres user.
psql -c "alter user postgres with password 'psql-user-pass'"
ALTER ROLE
exit
Creating a new PostgreSQL user
To create a new user in PostgreSQL, you first need to create it in the system itself.
passwd username
Log in as postgres.
Create a database user.
Create a database for this user.
The new user can now work with PostgreSQL. Let’s log in. Enter username’s password when prompted.
Password:
Enter the PostgreSQL command line.
psql (13.1)
Type "help" for help.
username=>
Conclusion
In this tutorial, you learned how to install and perform the initial configuration of PostgreSQL 13 on CentOS 8. We covered adding the official PostgreSQL repository, disabling older module versions, installing the server, initializing the database, and enabling the service to start automatically. Additionally, you saw how to secure the default postgres user with a password, create new system and database users, and log in to the PostgreSQL shell. Following these steps ensures a stable and secure PostgreSQL setup ready for your applications. PostgreSQL 13’s long-term support until November 2025 makes it a reliable choice for your database needs.
FAQ
- Q: What are the system requirements for installing PostgreSQL 13 on CentOS 8?
A: PostgreSQL 13 runs on standard CentOS 8 installations. You need root or sudo privileges and a stable internet connection to add repositories and download packages. - Q: How do I update PostgreSQL 13 on CentOS 8?
A: Updates are delivered through the PostgreSQL repository you added. Use dnf update postgresql13-server to keep your server up to date. - Q: Can I install PostgreSQL 13 alongside older versions?
A: It is not recommended to run multiple major PostgreSQL versions simultaneously on the same server unless carefully managed, as they use different data directories and ports. - Q: How do I enable remote access to PostgreSQL?
A: You need to edit postgresql.conf to listen on the desired IP addresses and configure pg_hba.conf to allow remote connections. Don’t forget to restart the PostgreSQL service after changes. - Q: How do I secure my PostgreSQL installation?
A: Set strong passwords for users, restrict network access using firewall rules, and configure PostgreSQL’s authentication methods properly. - Q: What if I want to uninstall PostgreSQL 13?
A: Use dnf remove postgresql13-server to uninstall. Remember to back up your data before removing the server.