Resolving PostgreSQL Setup Issues in Ubuntu 22.04

Introduction: Setting up a development environment for Node.js and Express.js often involves integrating databases like PostgreSQL. However, during the installation process, you might encounter certain roadblocks, such as being prompted for a password you never set. In this blog post, I will try to guide you through the steps to resolve this issue and successfully set up PostgreSQL in Ubuntu 22.04.

Step-by-Step Guide: Resolving PostgreSQL Setup Issues

Step 1: Locate the Configuration Directory

1. Open the terminal and change the directory to /etc/postgresql/15/main (note that the version number might differ based on your installation). This directory contains the PostgreSQL configuration files.

Step 2: Edit the pg_hba.conf File

1. Open the pg_hba.conf file within the chosen text editor with superuser permission.

2. Search for the following lines of configuration:

# Database administrative login by Unix domain socket
local   all             postgres                                md5

1. Modify the METHOD parameter from md5 to trust as follows:

# Database administrative login by Unix domain socket
local   all             postgres                                trust

1. Save the changes made to the pg_hba.conf file.

Step 3: Restart PostgreSQL

1. To apply the modified configuration, restart the PostgreSQL service by running the following command:

sudo systemctl restart postgresql

Step 4: Set the Default Password

1. Gain access to PostgreSQL by entering the following command in the terminal:

psql -U postgres

1. Now, you are connected to PostgreSQL. To change the default password, execute the command:

\password postgres

1. Follow the prompts to enter and confirm your new password.

Step 5: Update pg_hba.conf File

1. Once the password is successfully changed, return to the pg_hba.conf file and revert the METHOD parameter to its original value (e.g., from trust back to md5).

2. Save the changes made to the pg_hba.conf file.

Step 6: Restart PostgreSQL

1. Restart the PostgreSQL service again to apply the updated configuration:

sudo systemctl restart postgresql

Step 7: Access PostgreSQL with Password

1. To verify that the changes are effective, access PostgreSQL using the newly set password by running the command:

psql -U postgres

1. This time, PostgreSQL will prompt you for the password you have just set. Enter the password to gain access.

Conclusion: Setting up PostgreSQL for Node.js and Express.js on Ubuntu 22.04 can sometimes lead to unexpected hurdles, such as being asked for a password you never set. However, by following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you can easily resolve this issue and proceed with your development tasks seamlessly. Remember to exercise caution while modifying configuration files and ensure that you protect your PostgreSQL database with a strong and secure password.

We hope this article has been helpful in troubleshooting your PostgreSQL setup. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties, feel free to leave a comment below, and we'll be glad to assist you!

Happy coding with Node.js, Express.js, and PostgreSQL!