postgresql-psql

Use psql with SSL connection options by specifying the host, port, username, and database name, then add SSL parameters like `sslmode=require` to your connection string. psql supports multiple SSL modes and certificate authentication for secure remote database access.

Write psql scripts that execute SQL commands and meta-commands in batch mode, then schedule them with cron or task schedulers. psql scripting handles maintenance workflows, import/export, and diagnostic queries without manual intervention.

Use `EXPLAIN ANALYZE` in psql to examine query execution plans and identify performance bottlenecks. Combined with psql monitoring queries, you can diagnose slow queries and optimize database performance.

Configure psql behavior using the `.psqlrc` file to set variables, customize prompts, and define frequently-used commands. psql variable substitution and configuration settings persist across sessions for streamlined database administration.

Use psql import workflows with SQL `COPY` commands or meta-commands to load data from files into PostgreSQL tables. psql handles bulk data ingestion efficiently from your terminal without requiring additional tools.

psql meta-commands like `\dt`, `\d`, and `\l` provide quick access to table schemas, database objects, and connection information. These commands let you browse database structure and troubleshoot configuration without writing SQL queries.