Get started with PGD
====================

To begin using any edition of EDB Postgres Distributed, we recommend you
first try our local installation and configuration guide.

This guide will help you install and configure the software, and create
your first cluster.

What is EDB Postgres Distributed?
---------------------------------

EDB Postgres Distributed (PGD) is a distributed database solution that
provides high availability, scalability, and fault tolerance for
PostgreSQL databases. It allows you to create clusters of PostgreSQL
instances that can work together to provide a single, unified database
system.

What is EDB Postgres Distributed Essential?
-------------------------------------------

EDB Postgres Distributed Essential is a streamlined version of PGD that
focuses on delivering core distributed database functionality with
minimal complexity. It is designed for users who need basic high
availability and disaster recovery features without the advanced
capabilities offered by PGD Expanded, the full version.

What is the PGD Essential Standard architecture
-----------------------------------------------

Get to know what EDB Postgres Distributed Essential is all about in
:ref:`An introduction to PGD Essential <An introduction to PGD Essential>`  .

Create your first PGD Essential cluster with Docker Compose
-----------------------------------------------------------

Use the `Docker Compose <https://docs.docker.com/compose/>`_  file to :ref:`Creating your first cluster (PGD Essential) <Creating your first cluster (PGD Essential)>`  with three nodes. This is a
great way to get started with PGD Essential and see how it works in a
real-world scenario and a stepping stone to deploying a production
cluster with PGD Essential or PGD Expanded.

.. toctree::
  :maxdepth: 5

  getting_started--get-started--essential-standard
  getting_started--get-started--first-cluster
  getting_started--get-started--first-steps--index
  getting_started--get-started--expanded-examples