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PostgreSQL Installation Guide (Windows)

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to install PostgreSQL on a Windows system, including optional setup for development with Node.js, Prisma, and Next.js.

Step 1: Download PostgreSQL

1. Visit the official PostgreSQL download page:
   👉 https://www.postgresql.org/download/windows/

2. Click on "Download the installer" by EDB.

3. Download the latest version suitable for your system.

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Step 2: Run the Installer

1. Run the downloaded .exe file.
2. Click Next through the setup screens.
3. Leave the default components selected:
   • PostgreSQL Server
   • pgAdmin
   • Stack Builder (optional)
4. Choose the installation directory or leave it default.

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Step 3: Set Superuser Password

• Set a strong password for the default PostgreSQL user: postgres.
• IMPORTANT: Save this password securely. You'll need it to access the database.

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Step 4: Choose Port Number

• Default is 5432. You can leave it as is unless you're running multiple databases.

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Step 5: Set Locale and Install

1. Leave the locale to default or set according to your region.
2. Click Next and then Install.
3. Wait until installation is complete.

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Step 6: Add PostgreSQL to System PATH

1. Navigate to:

   C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\<version>\bin
   

2. Copy the path.

3. Add it to your Windows Environment Variables:

   • Open Start → type "Environment Variables"
   • Click Environment Variables...
   • Under System variables, find Path → Click Edit → New
   • Paste the path, then click OK

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Step 7: Verify Installation

1. Open Command Prompt and run:

   psql -U postgres

2. Enter the password you set earlier.

3. If successful, you’ll see:

   postgres=#
   

4. Exit by typing:

   \q

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Optional: Fix Console Encoding Warning

If you see this warning:

WARNING: Console code page (850) differs from Windows code page (1252)

Run this before psql:

chcp 1252

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Stack Builder (Optional)

After installation, you may run Stack Builder to install:

• PostGIS: For geospatial support
• pgAdmin plugins: For extended GUI features
• pgAgent: For scheduling jobs
• ODBC/JDBC Drivers: For external application connectivity

⚠️ You don’t need Stack Builder for standard web development with PostgreSQL and Node.js.

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Use with Next.js and Prisma (Bonus)

Install Prisma:

npm install prisma @prisma/client
npx prisma init

Set your .env:

DATABASE_URL="postgresql://postgres:<your-password>@localhost:5432/<your-db-name>"

Migrate your schema:

npx prisma migrate dev --name init
npx prisma generate

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You're Ready!

PostgreSQL is now installed and ready to use for local development.

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Resources

• Official docs: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/
• Prisma: https://www.prisma.io/docs
• Next.js: https://nextjs.org/docs

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