---
title: "Installing PostgreSQL on macOS with Homebrew"
date: 2024-03-11T11:32:02.000Z
author: Z.SHINCHVEN
tags: [postgresql, homebrew, macos, database, installation, configuration]
canonical: https://atlassc.net/2024/03/12/installing-postgresql-on-macos-with-homebrew
---
## Introduction

PostgreSQL, a powerful open-source relational database management system, can be installed on macOS using Homebrew, a package manager for macOS.

## Installation

1. Install Homebrew by running:
   ```
   /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
   ```

2. Install PostgreSQL:
   ```
   brew install postgresql
   ```

## Starting, Stopping, and Restarting the Service

1. Start PostgreSQL:
   ```
   brew services start postgresql
   ```

2. Stop PostgreSQL:
   ```
   brew services stop postgresql
   ```

3. Restart PostgreSQL:
   ```
   brew services restart postgresql
   ```

## Setting a Password

1. Set a password for the default user `postgres`:
   ```
   sudo -u postgres psql -c "ALTER USER postgres WITH PASSWORD 'new_password';"
   ```

## Connecting to the Service

1. Connect to PostgreSQL using the default user `postgres` and the password you set:
   ```
   psql -U postgres -d postgres
   ```

## Customizing the Configuration File

1. Edit the configuration file `/usr/local/etc/postgresql/*.conf`:
   ```
   sudo vi /usr/local/etc/postgresql/*.conf
   ```

2. Make desired changes to the configuration parameters. For example, to change the listen address:
   ```
   listen_addresses = '*'
   ```

3. Save and close the file.

4. Restart PostgreSQL to apply the changes:
   ```
   brew services restart postgresql
   ```

## Conclusion

Installing and configuring PostgreSQL on macOS using Homebrew is straightforward. By following these steps, you can easily set up a PostgreSQL database for your projects or applications. Remember to secure your database by setting a strong password and customizing the configuration file as needed.