Chapter 3. PostgreSQL Operators

Data types, by themselves, are only useful for holding data. To make comparisons, orderings, and selections of table datum, operators are needed.

Most operators simply return an implicit Boolean true or false given the comparison criteria. However, some operators, such as the math- and string-related ones, return new results from the supplied elements.

The following is a map of the default PostgreSQL operators grouped by data type. After that is a more detailed listing of all the supported PostgreSQL operators, including information on specific usage, syntax, and notes.

Table 3.1. Map of Operators Grouped by Data Type
Data Type Operator
Geometric +

-

*

/

#

##

&&

&<

&>

<->

<<

<^

>>

>^

?#

?- ...

Get PostgreSQL Essential Reference now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.