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Setup Guide

Install everything you need before your first query. Takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Self-paced, no schedule.

PostgreSQLThe database engine, where your data lives
pgAdmin 4Visual manager to browse tables and run queries
VS CodeEditor for writing .sql files
GitVersion control for your work
No AI extensions yet. Don't install Copilot or any AI autocomplete during setup. You learn faster writing every query yourself. AI comes back later, in its own bonus session.
Prefer video? Setup videos for Mac and Windows are coming soon on YouTube. This page has the same steps in writing.

Option 1: One-command install (recommended)

Download the installer, then run it in Terminal. It installs all four tools and creates a retailmart practice database.

Download install_mac.sh
cd ~/Downloads chmod +x install_mac.sh bash install_mac.sh

Then skip to Verify everything.

Option 2: Manual install

1. Install Homebrew (if you don't have it)

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

2. Install PostgreSQL

brew install postgresql brew services start postgresql psql --version

3. Install pgAdmin 4

brew install --cask pgadmin4

Open pgAdmin 4 and create a server with:

FieldValue
NamePostgreSQL
Hostlocalhost
Port5432
Usernamepostgres
Passwordthe one you set

4. Install VS Code and Git

brew install --cask visual-studio-code brew install git

5. Verify everything

psql --version git --version code --version

All three should print a version number. Open pgAdmin 4 from Applications and confirm it connects.

Troubleshooting

ProblemFix
brew: command not foundInstall Homebrew (step 1)
psql: command not foundRestart Terminal. If still missing: brew link postgresql
PostgreSQL won't startbrew services restart postgresql
pgAdmin "connection refused"Check it's running: brew services list
code: command not foundOpen VS Code, press Cmd+Shift+P, run "Shell Command: Install 'code' command"

Tip: always restart Terminal after installing so the PATH updates.

Option 1: One-command install (recommended)

Download the installer, then run it in an elevated PowerShell (right-click PowerShell, Run as administrator). It installs all four tools and creates a retailmart practice database.

Download install_windows.ps1
cd $HOME\Downloads Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass .\install_windows.ps1

Then skip to Verify everything.

Option 2: Manual install

1. Install PostgreSQL and pgAdmin 4

Download the latest Windows (64-bit) installer from EnterpriseDB. Select all components: PostgreSQL Server, pgAdmin 4 and Command Line Tools. Keep the defaults:

SettingValue
Port5432
Usernamepostgres
Passwordchoose one and remember it

Check it worked. Open Command Prompt and run psql -U postgres. You should see postgres=#. Type \q to exit. If psql isn't recognised, add C:\Program Files\PostgreSQL\<version>\bin to your PATH.

2. Install VS Code

Get it from code.visualstudio.com. During install, tick Add to PATH and Register Code as editor for supported file types. Useful extensions: SQLTools and SQLTools PostgreSQL.

3. Install Git

Get it from git-scm.com. Keep the defaults, but make sure Use Git from the Windows Command Prompt is selected.

4. Verify everything

psql --version code --version git --version

All three should print a version number. Open pgAdmin 4 from the Start Menu and confirm it connects.

Troubleshooting

ProblemFix
psql is not recognizedAdd the PostgreSQL bin folder to PATH, or reinstall with Add to PATH
Forgot postgres passwordpgAdmin 4, right-click the server, Properties, change password
PostgreSQL service stoppedOpen Services.msc, find postgresql, right-click, Start
code or git not recognizedReinstall with Add to PATH checked
pgAdmin connection errorMake sure the service is running. Use localhost, port 5432

Tip: reboot after installing if a command still isn't recognised.