If possible how can one embed PostgreSQL?

Question

If it's possible, I'm interested in being able to embed a PostgreSQL database, similar to sqllite. I've read that it's not possible. I'm no database expert though, so I want to hear from you.

Essentially I want PostgreSQL without all the configuration and installation. If it's possible, tell me how.

Answer 1

You cannot embed it, nor should you try.

For embedding you should use sqlite as you mentioned or firebird rdbms.

Answer 2

Run postgresql in a background process.

Start a separate thread in your application that would start a postgresql server in local mode either by binding it to localhost with some random free port or by using sockets (does windows support sockets?). That should be fairly easy, something like:

system("C:\Program Files\MyApplication\pgsql\postgres.exe -D C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\MyApplication\database -h 127.0.0.1 -p 12345");

and then just connect to 127.0.0.1:12345.

When your application quits, you can always send a SIGTERM to your thread and then wait a few seconds for postgresql to quit (ie join the thread).

PS: You can also use pg_ctl to control your "embedded" database, even without threads, just do a "pg_ctl start" (with appropriate options) when starting the application and "pg_ctl stop" when quitting it.