A PostgreSQL server is a running instance of PostgreSQL, a relational database system, that stores and serves your data to applications. It accepts SQL queries, manages tables and indexes, and can be self-hosted or rented as a managed service. AtrbCode runs PostgreSQL 16 on managed plans from $3.99 a month.
What is a PostgreSQL server?
PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system. A server is the PostgreSQL software process that runs on a machine, listens for client connections, and executes queries against your data. Applications connect to it over the network, send SQL statements, and receive results.
The server stores data in tables with rows and columns, and it enforces rules such as primary keys, foreign keys, and unique constraints to keep data consistent. PostgreSQL is known for its reliability and its support for advanced features: ACID-compliant transactions, JSON data, full-text search, and a large extension ecosystem. We offer PostgreSQL 16, the version we run on our managed database plans.
How a PostgreSQL server works
When you run a PostgreSQL server, the database process keeps your data files on disk and manages memory for caching queries and indexes. Clients such as web apps, APIs, or command-line tools connect using credentials over TCP or Unix sockets.
A typical request follows this path:
- Your application opens a connection to the server using a connection string.
- The server authenticates the user and checks permissions.
- The client sends a SQL query, like
SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = 1. - PostgreSQL plans the query, reads or writes data, and returns the result.
- The connection stays open or closes depending on the client pool.
On a managed plan, we handle the underlying operating system, PostgreSQL binaries, updates, and the server process itself. You get a hostname, port, database name, and credentials to use in your application.
Managed vs self-hosted PostgreSQL
You can install PostgreSQL on your own VPS or dedicated machine, or use a managed database service. The trade-offs are practical: time, security, and backups.
| Factor | Self-hosted PostgreSQL | Managed PostgreSQL (AtrbCode) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Install packages, configure users, tune memory yourself | We run the server; you get connection details |
| Maintenance | Apply security patches and major upgrades manually | We keep the engine and operating system updated |
| Backups | You schedule and test your own backup process | Nightly backups kept 7 days, one-click restore, backup download |
| Security | You configure TLS, firewalls, and access rules | TLS can be required; IP allow-list is built in |
| Monitoring | You set up log collection and alerting | In-browser console for SQL queries |
| Cost | Hardware or VPS cost plus your time | Fixed monthly price from $3.99 |
Self-hosting can make sense if you want full control of the machine or need unusual extensions. For most applications, managed PostgreSQL removes the parts that eat your time: patching, backup testing, and debugging connection issues.
What AtrbCode's managed PostgreSQL includes
Our managed database plans run PostgreSQL 16. The entry plan, Mini, costs $3.99 per month and includes 256 MB RAM and 1 GB storage. Larger plans go up to 4096 MB RAM and 50 GB storage on the Max plan. You can choose PostgreSQL 16 or one of the other engines we offer: MariaDB, MySQL, MongoDB, or Valkey. The engine you pick does not change the plan price.
The managed database plans include:
- Nightly backups kept 7 days, with one-click restore and backup download (SQL dump for PostgreSQL).
- TLS encryption in transit, and you can require TLS for connections.
- An IP allow-list so only your servers or local machines can connect.
- An in-browser console for SQL queries, read-only by default.
- A single fixed monthly price; the engine choice does not change the cost.
Servers run in Frankfurt, Germany. You pay by card through Stripe or from your account wallet, and a $1.00 service fee applies to every payment. The first database plan on an account adds a one-time $2.00 account fee.
For comparison, our managed database page lists DigitalOcean's cheapest managed database at $15.15 per month and Supabase Pro from $25 per month. AtrbCode's Mini plan starts at $3.99 per month with 256 MB RAM and 1 GB storage. See the full comparison, and we also break down the numbers in our blog post about managed PostgreSQL hosting.
Getting started with managed PostgreSQL
The order process is straightforward.
- Choose a database plan based on RAM and storage. Start with Mini if your app is small; move up if you need more.
- Select PostgreSQL 16 as the engine. We also offer MariaDB, MySQL, MongoDB, and Valkey, but PostgreSQL is the default choice for relational apps.
- Set a database name and credentials. You can also restrict access with the IP allow-list.
- Connect from your application using the provided host and port. For quick checks, use the in-browser console.
- AtrbCode keeps nightly backups for 7 days; you can restore or download them when needed.
If you need more resources later, choose a larger plan from the same product.
FAQ
What is the difference between PostgreSQL and SQL?
SQL is the query language used to read and write data. PostgreSQL is a database management system that implements SQL and adds features such as extensions, JSON support, and advanced indexing.
Is PostgreSQL free to use?
PostgreSQL itself is open-source and free to run on your own hardware. A managed PostgreSQL server from AtrbCode costs from $3.99 per month and includes the server, backups, and management tools.
How much RAM does a PostgreSQL server need?
A small application can run on 256 MB RAM, which is the size of our Mini plan. More RAM helps with larger datasets, more concurrent connections, and heavier queries. Our plans scale up to 4096 MB RAM.
Can I use PostgreSQL with my web app?
Yes. Any application that speaks PostgreSQL can use the connection details we provide. Common frameworks such as Django, Rails, Laravel, and Node.js libraries work out of the box.
Does AtrbCode offer PostgreSQL 16?
Yes, PostgreSQL 16 is one of the engines we run on managed database plans. You choose it when ordering a database.
Start with the managed database page to see the plan sizes and engine choices. For a deeper cost comparison against DigitalOcean and Supabase, read the comparison. You can also see our full range of hosting services.
