Exasol vs PostgreSQL: What are the differences?

Introduction

Exasol and PostgreSQL are both powerful open-source relational database management systems (RDBMS) that are widely used in the industry. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between Exasol and PostgreSQL that distinguish them from each other.

1. Performance: Exasol is renowned for its exceptional performance when it comes to processing large volumes of data. Its unique In-Memory analytic database architecture allows for high-speed data processing and query performance. On the other hand, PostgreSQL focuses more on providing a wide range of features and flexibility, sacrificing some performance in the process.

2. Scalability: Exasol has a highly scalable architecture that can effortlessly handle huge amounts of data. Its parallel processing capabilities and ability to distribute data across multiple servers make it an ideal choice for big data analytics and data warehousing tasks. PostgreSQL, although capable of scaling horizontally through the use of clustering solutions, may not offer the same level of scalability as Exasol.

3. SQL Compatibility: PostgreSQL has long been known for its strong adherence to the SQL standard. It provides comprehensive support for various SQL features and syntax, making it highly compatible with other relational databases. Exasol, on the other hand, has its own proprietary SQL dialect that deviates from the standard SQL. While it offers a wide range of advanced analytical functions, the non-standard SQL may require some adjustments for developers used to working with SQL standards.

4. Integrated analytics: Exasol includes built-in analytic functions and extensions that allow for complex data analysis and mining. Its integration with R and Python enables the inclusion of advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms directly within the database. In contrast, PostgreSQL relies on extensions and plug-ins to provide similar functionality, requiring additional setup and configuration.

5. Data replication and high availability: Exasol offers built-in mechanisms for data replication and high availability, ensuring data resilience and uninterrupted access. With its distributed architecture, Exasol can replicate data across multiple nodes, providing failover capabilities and load balancing. PostgreSQL requires additional configuration to achieve similar replication and high availability features.

6. Community and Support: PostgreSQL has a large and active open-source community that contributes to its development, provides support, and shares knowledge. It has a mature ecosystem of tools, libraries, and extensions. Exasol, while also open-source, may have a smaller community and a more limited selection of tools and extensions available for developers.

In summary, Exasol stands out with its exceptional performance, scalability, integrated analytics, and built-in features for high availability. PostgreSQL, on the other hand, emphasizes SQL compatibility, a larger community, and an extensive ecosystem of tools and extensions. Choosing between Exasol and PostgreSQL depends on specific use cases, where performance and scalability requirements might favor Exasol, while SQL compatibility and community support might lean towards PostgreSQL.