What do you think of Postgres and Firebird Databas

Question

I am trying to choose between postgre and firebird databasses. The database will be installed on a windows 2003 server with asp.net 3.5. i don't want to use sql server because of price issues and I don't want MySQL I had a bad experience with it and the .net connector and the membership provider.

Answer 1

We are using Firebird since 1.0v. It is stable, robust, many features out of the box and extremelly easy to install and mantain.

We develop using .Net and Delphi.

If you choosse FB, fell free to contact us if you need some tips.

Paulo Junqueira.

http://www.rt1.com.br

Answer 2

I've been working with PostgreSQL, Firebird, Oracle, MySQL, MSSQL more than 6 years ago and my preferred are Firebird and PostgreSQL. I don't like MySQL because Commercial License is not cheap, and MySQL lacks of some functions. I you ask me about what is my preferred one between FB and Pg.... It varies about requirements and needs. I feel that Firebird works better when speed is a must. I've been working with very large databases environments and I have not had problems. PostgreSQL is better in web sites and internet applications developed in PHP, Python and Ruby, but I think that this will not be for much time. In the last months big companies are looking to FB as a very serious DB. I recommend you FB. Try it, give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

Answer 3

Firebird is wonderfull, solid, easy to maintain, install & small footprint (embedded version as well) The only drawback: you have to do a backup and restore to eliminate deleted records physically. So for a system that has to be 24/7/365 it is a huge limitation.it is not my case so no problemo.

PostgreSQL does not have that problem (but I have never used it). A friend runs an entire shipping company with millions of transactions on PostgreSQL with linux servers & java and he is very happy.But the maintenance is more heavy than firebird.

Besides if you use delphi, Firebird is better suited.

Answer 4

One branch of Firebird is an Oracle clone called Fyracle which is even able to run Compiere. On this page you can find reasons why authors chose Firebird over PostgreSQL, which might also help you with your decision. How successful this Oracle emulation is can be seen from this quote:

Firebird-Fyracle supports the major Oracle-based ERP/CRM application "Compiere" -- with virtually no change to the Compiere code base. Fyracle has supported Compiere since version 2.4.2b, which contained over 20,000 lines of PL/SQL. The current release, 2.5.3c, has moved most PL/SQL into stored procedures written in Java, which is also supported by Firebird-Fyracle.

Answer 5

Feature no 1 : Firebird required 0 Administration and is simpler to use than Postgresql (think of sqlite like easy of use with oracle/postgresql like features)

2.Firebird does have Embedded mode and is fully multi threaded in 2.5

3.And yes Firebird is fully multithreaded where Postgresql is NOT

so we are ahead in this area with at least 2 or more years

"All backends running as threads in a single process (not wanted) This eliminates the process protection we get from the current setup. Thread creation is usually the same overhead as process creation on modern systems, so it seems unwise to use a pure threaded model, and MySQL and DB2 have demonstrated that threads introduce as many issues as they solve. Threading specific operations such as I/O, seq scans, and connection management has been discussed and will probably be implemented to enable specific performance features. Moving to a threaded engine would also require halting all other work on PostgreSQL for one to two years."

I will update the post later with more features and links why does http://mapopa.blogspot.com/2010/10/where-firebird-is-better-than.html

Answer 6

I've been using Firebird for 8 years and it is really strong.

Check this link http://www.ib-aid.com/articles/item104 and see that Firebird is a pretty good database.

Postgres's .NET driver is not mature enougth, while firebird .net provider is even supporting entity framework!!