How to connect to PostgreSQL using psql

The psql client provides a command-line connection to PostgreSQL. You can use it to inspect a database or run authorised SQL queries when the client and database access are available.

Connect to the intended database

From a terminal with psql installed, run:

psql -h database-host -U database-user -d database-name -W

Replace the three placeholders. -W asks for the password; do not put it in the command. Use the provider’s approved connection and TLS settings. If you omit the host, the client may use a local socket rather than the server you intended.

After connecting, check:

\conninfo

This shows the active connection details. SSH may provide access to a suitable terminal, but an SSH login alone does not grant database permissions.

Use psql help

SQL statements usually end with a semicolon. Review the effect of any data-changing statement before running it.