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How to Use PostgreSQL® Databases in cPanel – Full Guide

When it comes to managing structured data efficiently, PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database system known for its performance, reliability, and advanced features. For developers and site owners hosting on Govaio.com, cPanel’s PostgreSQL Databases interface provides a simple, web-based way to create, manage, and configure your databases.

Whether you’re building a scalable web application, a content management system (CMS), or a data analytics platform, PostgreSQL is a great choice—and this guide will help you use it effectively within cPanel.

✅ This article is written exclusively for Govaio.com customers.

📘 What Is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL (pronounced "Post-Gres-Q-L") is an enterprise-class, object-relational database system. It’s widely used by developers for its advanced features, such as:

  • ACID compliance
  • Complex queries
  • Custom functions
  • JSON support
  • Full-text search
  • Table inheritance
  • Foreign data wrappers

PostgreSQL is ideal for complex applications, including:

  • Business intelligence systems
  • Financial and transactional applications
  • Geospatial mapping (with PostGIS)
  • High-load eCommerce platforms
  • Custom web apps (written in Python, Ruby, Node.js, or PHP)

🛠️ Use Cases for PostgreSQL on Govaio

Here are some common scenarios where using PostgreSQL via cPanel makes sense:

✅ CMS Platforms
Some content management systems support PostgreSQL for storing posts, user data, settings, etc.

✅ eCommerce Websites
Use PostgreSQL to manage inventory, customer records, orders, and payment logs.

✅ Data-Driven Applications
Ideal for dashboards, analytics tools, and custom business logic requiring advanced SQL features.

✅ GIS Applications
PostgreSQL supports geographic data through the PostGIS extension.

✅ API Backends
Pair PostgreSQL with frameworks like Django, Express.js, or Laravel for full-stack development.

🧭 Accessing the PostgreSQL Databases Feature in cPanel

  1. Log into cPanel via your Govaio hosting account.
  2. Scroll to the Databases section.
  3. Click on PostgreSQL Databases.

This interface allows you to:

  • Create new PostgreSQL databases
  • Add PostgreSQL database users
  • Assign users to databases
  • Manage privileges

✅ How to Create a PostgreSQL Database in cPanel

Follow these steps to create your first PostgreSQL database.

Step 1: Create a New Database

  1. In the PostgreSQL Databases interface, locate the Create New Database field.
  2. Enter a name for your database (e.g., store_data, blog_db).
  3. Click Create Database.

Your database will appear in the Current Databases section below.

Step 2: Create a PostgreSQL User

To access or modify the database, you must create a user.

Scroll down to Add New User.

Enter a username (e.g., admin_user) and a strong password.

Click Create User.

Step 3: Assign User to Database

  1. In the Add User to Database section:
  2. Choose your new user and database from the dropdowns.
  3. Click Submit.
  4. On the next screen, choose the privileges:
  5. For full access, check ALL PRIVILEGES.
  6. For restricted roles, select only SELECT, INSERT, or UPDATE, etc.

🔌 How to Connect to PostgreSQL

To connect to your PostgreSQL database remotely (or from a script):

  • Host: your domain name or server IP (e.g., db.govaio.com)
  • Port: 5432 (default PostgreSQL port)
  • Username: your created user
  • Password: your password
  • Database name: created in step 1

You can use these credentials in:

  • PHP scripts using pg_connect()
  • Python (via psycopg2)
  • Node.js (via pg npm package)
  • GUI clients like pgAdmin, DBeaver, or DataGrip

⚠️ Security Best Practices

🔒 Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
🔒 Limit privileges to the minimum needed for the application.
🔒 Avoid using wildcard host access—only allow trusted IPs.
🔒 Regularly back up your database (via cPanel or cron jobs).
🔒 Disable remote access if not required (via firewall or settings).

🔄 How to Delete a Database or User

  • To remove a database, go to Current Databases, find your DB, and click Delete.
  • To remove a user, scroll to the Current Users section and click Delete next to the user.
  • You can also remove a user’s privileges from a database without deleting the user entirely.

🔄 Advanced Configuration Tips

🧩 1. Enable Remote PostgreSQL Access

Remote access is disabled by default. If you want to allow access from a remote app:

  • Use the PostgreSQL Remote Access setting in WHM (if you manage a VPS).
  • Manually configure pg_hba.conf and postgresql.conf (requires root access).
  • Contact Govaio.com support for assistance if you're on shared hosting.

🔄 2. Use phpPgAdmin (PostgreSQL GUI via cPanel)

Govaio cPanel may also include phpPgAdmin, a browser-based GUI for managing your PostgreSQL databases.

You can:

  • Run SQL queries
  • Export/import data
  • View or edit tables, schemas, indexes
  • Backup and restore DBs

To access:

  1. Go to cPanel > phpPgAdmin.
  2. Select your database from the left panel.
  3. Use the interface to manage your DB without writing complex SQL.

🧰 Troubleshooting Common PostgreSQL Issues

❌ Error: "FATAL: password authentication failed for user"

  • Check that you're using the correct password.
  • Ensure that the user is assigned to the database.
  • Reset the password in the PostgreSQL Users section.

❌ Error: "could not connect to server: Connection refused"

  • Port 5432 might be blocked.
  • Remote access may not be enabled.
  • Firewall might be preventing the connection.

Solution: Contact Govaio support to check port/firewall settings or enable remote PostgreSQL access.

❌ Error: "relation 'table_name' does not exist"

  • The table may be in a different schema.
  • Use SELECT * FROM schema_name.table_name or set the correct schema path.

📦 Backup and Restore PostgreSQL Databases

You can back up your PostgreSQL databases in several ways:

Option 1: Use cPanel Backup Tool

  1. Go to cPanel > Backup.
  2. Select Download a Home Directory Backup or Partial Backups for PostgreSQL.

Option 2: Use phpPgAdmin

  1. Open phpPgAdmin from cPanel.
  2. Choose your DB > click Export tab.
  3. Choose SQL format, data options, and download.

🤔 FAQs – PostgreSQL in cPanel

❓ Is PostgreSQL better than MySQL?

PostgreSQL is more advanced in terms of features and standards compliance, while MySQL is often simpler and faster for basic use cases.

❓ What is the default port for PostgreSQL?

Port 5432 is the standard PostgreSQL port.

❓ Does Govaio.com support remote PostgreSQL access?

Yes, for VPS and dedicated plans. On shared hosting, contact Govaio support for custom configurations.

The PostgreSQL Databases interface in cPanel makes it easy to integrate a powerful database system into your Govaio-hosted website. With strong support for modern applications, extensibility, and performance, PostgreSQL is ideal for everything from simple blogs to complex enterprise applications.

By following this guide, you can:

  • Create and manage PostgreSQL databases
  • Secure your data
  • Enable remote access
  • Troubleshoot issues effectively

✅ This guide is written exclusively for Govaio.com clients. For additional help, reach out to our technical support team or explore other articles in our knowledge base.