Postg REST
Turn any PostgreSQL database into a RESTful API.
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What is Postg REST?
PostgREST is an open-source tool that transforms a PostgreSQL database into a RESTful API without requiring custom code. By leveraging PostgreSQL's existing structure, constraints, and permissions, it automatically generates API endpoints that reflect the database's schema. Developers, data engineers, and API designers use PostgREST to eliminate the need for manual CRUD implementation, reducing duplication between database logic and application code. It addresses common issues in traditional API development, such as inconsistent permission management, redundant validation checks, and the complexity of maintaining synchronization between database and application layers. The tool operates by exposing PostgreSQL tables as HTTP endpoints, using SQL queries to handle data operations. It enforces database-level constraints as API-level rules, ensuring data integrity and security. For example, a table's primary key becomes a unique identifier in API requests, while foreign key relationships dictate allowed operations. This approach aligns with the 'single source of truth' philosophy, where the database's structure and permissions inherently define the API's behavior, minimizing the need for additional business logic in application code.
How it works
PostgREST is a standalone web server that converts PostgreSQL databases into RESTful APIs by exposing table rows as HTTP resources. It eliminates the need for custom API development by using the database's schema to automatically generate endpoints for creating, reading, updating, and deleting data. The tool is designed for developers and data teams seeking to avoid writing boilerplate CRUD code. It integrates with PostgreSQL's features, such as constraints, triggers, and permissions, to ensure API behavior aligns with database integrity rules. PostgREST generates REST APIs based on PostgreSQL tables, with endpoints like /users for CRUD operations. It supports complex queries via SQL, allowing joins and filters that translate directly to API parameters. For example, a JOIN in a SQL query becomes a nested resource in the API response.
How to use it
- 1Install PostgreSQL and create a database with tables structured according to your API needs. 2. Configure PostgREST by specifying the database connection in a config file, such as postgres://user:password@host/dbname. 3. Run PostgREST as a server, which automatically generates API endpoints based on the database schema. 4. Test the API using curl, Postman, or a browser by accessing endpoints like GET /users. Practical tips: Use PostgreSQL's JSONB type for flexible data models, enable CORS headers for frontend integration, and secure the database with role-based access controls to restrict API operations.
What it can do
- database to API
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/PostgREST/postgrest
- license: MIT — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Requires PostgreSQL as the underlying database, limiting compatibility with other RDBMS
- Lacks built-in authentication/authorization mechanisms, relying on PostgreSQL roles instead
- Does not support GraphQL or complex business logic beyond database constraints
- May require additional middleware for advanced features like rate limiting or caching
- Performance depends on PostgreSQL's query planner, which may not optimize all API patterns
Understanding the result
Turn any PostgreSQL database into a RESTful API.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (MIT).
- Built with
- (PostgREST/postgrest)
- License
- MIT
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with PostgREST/postgrest. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- MIT
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- MIT License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
How does PostgREST handle database constraints in the API?
PostgREST translates PostgreSQL constraints like UNIQUE, PRIMARY KEY, and CHECK into API-level rules. For example, a UNIQUE constraint on a column prevents duplicate entries in API POST requests. It also enforces foreign key relationships by restricting allowed operations on related resources, ensuring data integrity through database-level enforcement rather than application code.
How does PostgREST generate API endpoints from PostgreSQL tables?
PostgREST scans the PostgreSQL schema to identify tables and their columns, then creates REST endpoints for each table. A table named 'users' becomes the /users endpoint with HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE. It uses SQL queries to handle complex operations, such as JOINs in the database which become nested resources in API responses. The tool also respects PostgreSQL's permissions, ensuring users can only access data they're authorized to see.
How do I create a simple API endpoint for a 'products' table?
1. Create a PostgreSQL table: CREATE TABLE products (id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, name TEXT, price NUMERIC); 2. Configure PostgREST with the database connection in a config file: postgres://user:password@localhost/mydb. 3. Run PostgREST as a server: postgrest mydb.db -a. 4. Test the API with curl: GET http://localhost:3000/products. This will return all rows from the products table as JSON, with endpoints for CRUD operations.
How does PostgREST compare to alternatives like Express.js or Django REST?
PostgREST differs by eliminating the need for custom API code, as it generates endpoints directly from the database. Unlike Express.js or Django REST, which require writing controllers and routes, PostgREST leverages PostgreSQL's existing structure. However, it lacks the flexibility of frameworks like Django for complex business logic. Alternatives like Express.js offer more control over API behavior but require manual CRUD implementation, whereas PostgREST automates this process through database integration.
What should I do if PostgREST returns a '405 Method Not Allowed' error?
This error typically occurs when the requested HTTP method (e.g., PUT) is not supported for the endpoint. Check if the database table has a primary key (required for UPDATE/DELETE operations) and ensure the method matches the operation: GET for retrieval, POST for creation, PUT for updates, and DELETE for removal. Also verify that the PostgreSQL user has the necessary permissions to perform the operation on the table.