Is PostgreSQL Really Winning?
The November 2026 DB-Engines rankings are out. PostgreSQL is the only database in the top four whose line is going up and to the right. Oracle, MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server all lost points this month, and all three are down from a year ago. PostgreSQL gained points on both counts. It now sits just 3.84 points behind SQL Server for third place. On the past year's trend, PostgreSQL could move ahead of SQL Server as early as next month. So it's time to celebrate, right? Maybe not yet. Before anyone orders the cake, let's look at what the numbers say, why people are moving, and how hard the next step up will be. The numbers Only PostgreSQL gained points this month, and only PostgreSQL is up from a year ago. Source: DB-Engines Ranking of Relational DBMS , November 2026. A little napkin math shows when the order could change: SQL Server: The gap is 3.84 points. At this month's pace, it closes in about two months. At the past year's pace, it closes in less than one. S...