How to Use psql Command Line Tool Effectively

June 26, 2025

Master the PostgreSQL psql tool with these essential commands and productivity tips for database administration.

Mastering psql: The PostgreSQL Command Line Tool

Mastering psql: The Essential PostgreSQL Command Line Tool

Introduction to psql

psql is PostgreSQL's powerful interactive terminal that provides unmatched access to your databases. This guide covers everything from basic navigation to advanced features that will make you more productive.

Basic psql Operations

1. Connecting to Databases

psql -U pgadmin -d school_db -h 127.0.0.1

This connects using our standard admin credentials to the school database we created earlier.

2. Essential Meta-Commands

Command	Description
`\\l`	List all databases
`\\c dbname`	Connect to different database
`\\dt`	List tables in current database
`\\d table_name`	Describe table structure
`\\x`	Toggle expanded display

Query Execution Features

1. Running SQL Commands

SELECT * FROM teachers LIMIT 5;

End statements with semicolon. Results display in clean tabular format.

2. Query Timing

\\timing

Toggles execution time measurement for all subsequent queries.

3. Query History

\\s

Shows command history. Use \\s filename to save to file.

Advanced psql Features

1. Auto-Completion

Press Tab to complete:

Table names
Column names
SQL keywords

Works even mid-query.

2. Output Formatting

\\pset format html
\\o report.html
SELECT * FROM teachers;

Exports query results as HTML table.

3. Variables

\\set myvar 5
SELECT * FROM students LIMIT :myvar;

Use variables in queries for dynamic execution.

Scripting with psql

1. Executing Files

\\i setup.sql

Runs SQL commands from external file.

2. Output Redirection

\\o results.txt
SELECT * FROM students;
\\o

Sends query results to file.

3. Conditional Execution

\\if :DBNAME == 'school_db'
    \\echo 'Working on school database'
\\endif

Customizing Your psql Environment

1. Configuration File

~/.psqlrc

Add common settings like:

\\set PROMPT1 '%n@%/%R%# '
\\timing on
\\x auto

2. Useful Aliases

\\set active_students 'SELECT * FROM students WHERE active = true'

Create shortcuts for frequent queries.

Conclusion

You now have a professional's toolkit for psql. Remember these power tips:

Use \\? anytime to see available commands
Combine meta-commands with SQL for powerful workflows
Customize your .psqlrc for your common tasks
Leverage output formatting for reports

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