Timescale has unveiled its latest report highlighting PostgreSQL's rise as the preferred database for AI and real-time application development. The annual survey, gathering insights from 688 developers globally, underscores PostgreSQL's sustained popularity as a flexible and developer-friendly platform. Key takeaways from the report include:

- PostgreSQL is the top choice for AI developers, with 78.6% of respondents favoring it for its versatility in handling diverse data types, including vectors essential for AI workflows.
- Rising adoption: 65% of developers reported increased use of PostgreSQL compared to the previous year, reflecting a 14-point increase from 2023.
- AI integration surge: Over half (55.3%) of PostgreSQL developers now incorporate AI tools into their workflows—a 55% year-over-year increase.
- Versatile application: 60% of developers use PostgreSQL for both personal and professional projects, a 20% rise from last year.

Ajay Kulkarni, CEO of Timescale, commented, "This year's report underscores why PostgreSQL remains a trusted and widely popular platform, particularly for modern needs like AI applications. "PostgreSQL's dependability and rich extensions continue to position it as the database of choice for innovation."

PostgreSQL and AI: A Perfect Pair
PostgreSQL stands out for its extensibility and familiar SQL interface, making it an attractive choice for developers focused on AI. Unlike specialized databases like Pinecone, MongoDB, or ElasticSearch, PostgreSQL combines advanced features—such as vector storage—with its reliable SQL framework. This unique blend empowers developers to create AI-driven applications without the complexities of managing proprietary or niche systems. The report highlights the growing demand for databases capable of seamlessly managing diverse data types, especially as AI adoption accelerates. When asked about their preference for PostgreSQL, developers cited its flexibility in handling various data types (78.6%) and its ease of use (56%) as the top reasons for their choice.

From Weekend Projects to Enterprise-Grade AI
PostgreSQL has solidified its reputation as a developer favorite by excelling in both personal experimentation and enterprise-scale applications. According to the survey, 60% of respondents now use PostgreSQL for both personal and professional projects—a 20% year-over-year increase. This trend highlights how developers often start with small, exploratory projects, leveraging PostgreSQL's approachable SQL interface. As they grow more comfortable with the platform, many of these developers advocate for its adoption in their professional environments. PostgreSQL shines in enterprise settings, thanks to its ability to handle demanding workloads such as vector search, AI-powered applications, and real-time analytics. Its scalable, flexible architecture ensures a seamless progression from initial experimentation to impactful enterprise deployments.

Expanding PostgreSQL's use cases

Continued innovation and extensibility have driven PostgreSQL's adoption into an ever-growing number of industries. Today, its robust scalability and built-in support for modern workloads are powering a range of cutting-edge use cases, from IoT to financial technology and healthcare platforms. PostgreSQL is especially prized for its capacity to manage both transactional and analytical workloads harmoniously. This versatility suits enterprises requiring mission-critical solutions that balance data reliability with advanced functionality. Examples include leveraging PostgreSQL for real-time financial reporting, managing geospatial data for analytics, or supporting IoT applications with continuous data streams from connected devices. For AI-focused industries, PostgreSQL ensures scalability while integrating smoothly into modern data pipelines. Its additional support for complex data models, real-time reporting, and extensibility has allowed it to carve a niche as a leading solution for organisations looking to innovate without compromising on reliability. This annual survey affirmatively illustrates PostgreSQL's ability to enable experimentation while supporting modern workloads at scale, ensuring that it remains the database of choice for both amateur tinkerers and enterprise developers alike.