Using OS X Server PostgreSQL database for non-Server use

[philbeeney]

I have Mavericks OS X Server installed on a 2012 Mac Mini Server and am wondering if I can use the PostgreSQL database supplied with the Server App for other uses?

I need a database for an personal project I'm working on and would like to use the installed version rather than having to install a separate version.

However, I have done some research and the general advice is to leave the Server version alone (because of CalDav, etc) and install PostgreSQL separately.

If I have to install separately, should I use the command line and install it myself (which would be good for learning), or would it be better to use an installer package that sets everything up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[tomek.piatek]

In principal, there are no problems using the built-in Postgres. However, it's set up in such a way that it's a bit of a pain getting it to play nicely with other apps—so you might be better off installing your own.

This is what I have done in my setup. I've got a MacMini in our office running OS X server. Among other things this machine serves our web apps, implemented in Ruby on Rails. I use homebrew to take care of server apps such as Postgres, Redis, etc. It's easy and the resulting system plays nicely with other "standard" systems (i.e. non-Apple installed.)

I do use Apple's version of Apache though. It's just as easy to configure and works nicely with other systems. I even had a quick look at the, rather hidden but reasonably thorough documentation on how to create web apps which supposedly will show up in the Server App web configuration panel. I haven't managed to get it going yet but it would be nice if it works.

cheers,
-tomek

 

[philbeeney]

Thanks for your help.

I decided to go with the EnterpriseDB package. It comes with StackBuilder that allows me to install other optional software, e.g. PHP which is what I wanted to install as well, so it's saved me some effort.

 

[domster83]

Maybe take a look at http://postgresapp.com ?