Top 5 Methods to Perform Postgres Copy Database Easily

PostgreSQL is a powerful open-source database system. It is known for its reliability and advanced features. Sometimes, you may need to copy a database. You may want to create a backup. You may want to test your app in a different environment. Or maybe you are moving to a new server. This article will show you five easy methods to perform a Postgres Copy Database task. Each method is simple and uses clear steps.

Method 1: Using pg_dump and pg_restore

This is the most common method. It involves dumping the source database and restoring it to a new one.

Step-by-step:

1. Dump the source database

bashCopyEditpg_dump -U postgres -Fc source_db > source_db.dump

This command creates a binary backup file.
-Fc means the format is custom.

2. Create a new target database

bashCopyEditcreatedb -U postgres target_db

3. Restore the dump into the new database

bashCopyEditpg_restore -U postgres -d target_db source_db.dump

This copies all data, tables, and schema.

Pros:

• Good for backups
• Supports large databases

Cons:

• Takes time with big datasets

Use this method when copying between servers or keeping backups.

Method 2: Using createdb with the --template Option

This method works when copying a database within the same PostgreSQL server. It uses the source database as a template.

Step-by-step:

bashCopyEditcreatedb -U postgres new_db --template=old_db

This copies the entire old_db into new_db.
The new database will be the same.

Pros:

• Fast
• Easy one-line command

Cons:

• Only works on the same server
• Source database must be idle (no active connections)

Use this when working locally or during maintenance hours.

Method 3: Using psql with SQL Commands

You can use SQL queries inside psql to export and import data.
This method uses pg_dump but in plain SQL format.

Step-by-step:

1. Dump the source database with plain SQL

bashCopyEditpg_dump -U postgres -Fp source_db > source_db.sql

-Fp means the format is plain SQL.

2. Create a new database

bashCopyEditcreatedb -U postgres target_db

3. Import the SQL file into the new database

bashCopyEditpsql -U postgres -d target_db -f source_db.sql

Pros:

• Human-readable SQL dump
• Easy to edit the SQL file

Cons:

• Slower than custom format
• No compression

Use this method when you want to see or change the structure before restoring.

Method 4: Using pgAdmin (Graphical Tool)

If you prefer a GUI over the terminal, this method is for you. pgAdmin is a free tool for managing PostgreSQL visually.

Step-by-step:

1. Open pgAdmin and connect to your server
2. Right-click on the source database > Backup
3. Choose format: Custom or Plain
4. Click Backup to create the dump file
5. Create a new database in pgAdmin
6. Right-click the new database > Restore
7. Choose the dump file and click Restore

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly
• No command line needed

Cons:

• Slower than CLI
• Not ideal for automation

Use pgAdmin when working on a local machine or for learning purposes.

Method 5: Copying Database Objects and Data Manually

This method involves creating the schema and then copying tables. It is helpful when you want to copy only part of the database.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect using psql

bashCopyEditpsql -U postgres -d source_db

2. Generate schema dump

bashCopyEditpg_dump -s -U postgres source_db > schema.sql

3. Create a target database

bashCopyEditcreatedb -U postgres target_db

4. Import schema

bashCopyEditpsql -U postgres -d target_db -f schema.sql

5. Copy tables individually

bashCopyEditINSERT INTO target_db.public.table1 SELECT * FROM source_db.public.table1;

Repeat for each table.

Pros:

• Fine control over data
• Ideal for partial copy

Cons:

• Time-consuming
• Risk of missing tables or data

Use this when copying only selected tables or objects.

Tips for Using Postgres Copy Database Safely

• Always back up before copying
  Mistakes can lead to data loss.
• Check the database size before using SQL dump
  Large databases may take longer.
• Make sure no active connections
  Some methods need the source database to be idle.
• Use correct user permissions
  The user must have the right to read and write databases.
• Use pg_stat_activity to check active connections

sqlCopyEditSELECT * FROM pg_stat_activity;

This helps avoid conflicts during the copy.

Summary of Methods

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to perform a Postgres Copy Database task. Each method fits a different use case.

• Use pg_dump for full backups and server-to-server copies.
• Use --template for fast copies on the same server.
• Use pgAdmin for simple visual copying.
• Use manual copy when dealing with selected tables.

Choose the one that fits your needs best. With these methods, you can easily manage your PostgreSQL databases.