Now you know a few things about the PostgreSQL environment, as well as some things that will help you in the unforeseeable future. PostgreSQL is built to handle your needs, but more importantly, it is built not to change underneath you in the future.

We touched upon the environment and called out some of the more important things to be kept in mind when programming on the server in PostgreSQL. Don't worry too much if you don't remember all of it. It is fine to go on to the next chapter, where we will actually start making some useful functions and learn about writing our first PL/pgSQL functions. You will also learn how to write conditional statements, loops, and different ways to return data. Then, come back and review this chapter when you have a clearer understanding of the features available to the function writer.