Exit psql Command Line

Type \q or \quit:

• This is the most common and straightforward way to exit psql.
• Simply type either \q or \quit followed by Enter.

• These commands are used to execute the current query.
• If the query doesn't produce any output, psql will exit automatically after executing it.

Type Ctrl+D:

• This keyboard shortcut is equivalent to typing \q.
• Press Ctrl+D followed by Enter.

Note:

• Make sure you are in the psql command line interface before attempting to exit.
• If you have any unsaved changes, psql will prompt you to save them before exiting.

Exiting psql: A Simple Example

Prompt:

psql postgresql://postgres:your_password@localhost/your_database

Explanation:

• This command connects you to a PostgreSQL database named your_database using the user postgres and the specified password.

To exit:

1. \q
   

2. Use Ctrl+D:

Example with a Query:

psql postgresql://postgres:your_password@localhost/your_database
SELECT * FROM your_table;
\q

• This will execute the SELECT query and then exit psql.

• Always ensure you have the correct database name, username, and password for successful connection.

Alternative Methods for Exiting psql

While the most common methods to exit psql are \q or \quit and Ctrl+D, there are a few other alternatives you can consider:

Using the \g or \go Commands

Executing an Empty Query

• You can simply run an empty query to exit psql.

  ;
  

Using the \halt Command

• This command is similar to \q, but it also closes the connection to the database.

  \halt
  

• If you want to switch to a different database or user, you can use the \connect command. If you don't specify a new database or user, it will disconnect from the current one and exit psql.

  \connect
  

• While these methods are less commonly used, they can be helpful in specific scenarios or personal preferences.