PL/pgSQL
PL/pgSQL is a procedural programming language for PostgreSQL, designed to add complex logic and control structures to SQL queries. It allows developers to write functions, triggers, and stored procedures directly within the database, enabling server-side processing and data manipulation. This language combines SQL's data querying capabilities with procedural features like variables, loops, and conditionals.
Developers should learn PL/pgSQL when building applications with PostgreSQL that require advanced database logic, such as data validation, complex calculations, or automated workflows, as it improves performance by reducing network overhead and centralizing business rules. It is particularly useful for scenarios like batch processing, auditing, or enforcing data integrity through triggers, making it essential for database-heavy systems like financial platforms or enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.