This question gets asked quite a lot… How do you pronounce PostgreSQL? For that matter, how do you pronounce SQL? This is often debated among tech-types, this article will take a look at the pronunciations for these two data terms.
PostgreSQL is a database management system which uses SQL syntax. As there is argument over how SQL is pronounced, so too is there for PostgreSQL.
How Do You Pronounce ‘SQL’?
There are two common pronunciations for SQL – pronouncing it like the word “sequel”:
sequel
…and spelling out the letters:
ess-que-ell
I’m partial to the latter as it’s clearer what is being referred to in different contexts (as the word sequel has other uses), but which is correct is heavily debated. I think it’s all a bit trivial, to be honest – if the person or people you’re talking to knows what you’re talking about, it doesn’t really matter.
How do you Pronounce ‘PostgresSQL’
Following from the pronunciation of SQL, you would think that there are several possible options for pronouncing PostgreSQL – using “sequel”:
post-gre-sequel
…and spelling out the letters for SQL:
post-gre-ess-que-ell
But these are wrong! According to the internet, the correct pronunciation is:
post-gres-queue-ell
Again, in reality (away from pointless internet forum debate), how you pronounce it isn’t that big of a deal – so long as your audience understands you.
Just call it Postgres
Most developers just simplify the pronunciation to:
post-gres
Nice and simple – Even the official documentation says it’s OK.
