postgresql-psql

Use psql with SSL connection options: psql -h hostname -U username -d database --set=sslmode=require. The sslmode parameter enforces encrypted connections; psql supports require, prefer, and disable modes depending on your security requirements.

Yes. Write .sql scripts with psql meta-commands (like \copy, \d, \timing) and execute them via psql -f script.sql, or embed commands in bash loops for batch administration, health checks, and routine maintenance across multiple databases.

Use pg_dump to export database structure and data to a file (pg_dump dbname > backup.sql), then restore with psql -d dbname -f backup.sql. For large databases, pg_dump's --format=custom option creates compressed binary backups that pg_restore can reload faster.

Enable query timing with \timing, use EXPLAIN ANALYZE to inspect execution plans, and run \d+ on tables to review indexes and constraints. The psql integrated troubleshooting guide covers performance monitoring commands to identify bottlenecks and locks.

Yes. Use \copy to import/export CSV and text files directly in psql sessions without superuser privileges, or COPY for direct file I/O when running as a database superuser. Both commands handle delimiters, headers, and format options for flexible data movement.

Yes. Edit ~/.psqlrc to set default connection variables, prompt formatting, and pager options. Use .pgpass to store credentials securely for passwordless authentication, eliminating manual login prompts across scripted and interactive sessions.