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Database extension

A database extension is an installable software package that adds data types, functions, operators, indexes, or other capabilities to a database system.

How 2 Manning books explain it

Just Use Postgres!

A Postgres extension is an installable package that adds data types, functions, operators, indexes, or other capabilities to a PostgreSQL database system.

How it is used
Uses extensions to expand Postgres beyond core relational workloads and tailor database behavior for applications.
How deep it goes
Explains catalogs, hooks, dynamic loading, installation, and inspection, but only surveys extension categories and omits detailed deployment guidance.
Examples
Demonstrates pg_available_extensions, expanded psql output, installed-version filtering, and bundled extensions including plpgsql.
What you can do after
Operate/configure extensions by inspecting server availability and distinguishing available versions from extensions enabled in a database.

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DuckDB in Action

A database extension is an installable software component that adds capabilities to a database system.

How it is used
Adds optional capabilities for remote files, cloud databases, and query execution beyond DuckDB’s core engine.
How deep it goes
Explains discovery, installation, loading, idempotence, autoloading, and execution placement, but does not detail extension development.
Examples
Demonstrates duckdb_extensions(), httpfs installation, remote CSV queries, MotherDuck management, and MD_RUN-controlled reads.
What you can do after
Operate/configure DuckDB extensions by inspecting availability, installing and loading packages, and selecting local or remote execution.

Read how DuckDB in Action explains database extension →

Related concepts

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