PostgREST vs pgweb: What are the differences?

PostgREST is a standalone web server that transforms a PostgreSQL database into a RESTful API, while pgweb is a web-based database browser for PostgreSQL.

1. **Deployment**: PostgREST is deployed as a standalone service that runs in front of a PostgreSQL database, facilitating easy API creation. On the other hand, pgweb is typically used for database browsing and management, allowing users to interact directly with the database.
2. **Functionality**: PostgREST focuses on providing a RESTful API layer for database interactions, allowing developers to quickly build applications. In contrast, pgweb is designed for database administration tasks such as browsing tables, running queries, and managing data within the PostgreSQL database.
3. **User Interface**: PostgREST does not provide a graphical user interface as its primary purpose is to expose the database as an API. Conversely, pgweb offers a user-friendly web interface that allows users to perform various database management tasks visually.
4. **Features**: PostgREST offers features such as automatic API endpoint generation based on SQL queries, JWT authentication, row-level security, and caching mechanisms. On the other hand, pgweb provides features like SQL query execution, data visualization, table management, and export functionalities.
5. **Security**: PostgREST implements security measures such as role-based access control, row-level security policies, and JWT token authentication to secure API endpoints. In contrast, pgweb focuses on providing a secure environment for database administrators to interact with the database securely.
6. **Primary Use Case**: PostgREST is commonly used for rapidly developing backend APIs for applications that interact with PostgreSQL databases, while pgweb is preferred for database administration tasks, data visualization, and query execution by database administrators and developers.

In Summary, PostgREST is tailored for quickly creating RESTful APIs from PostgreSQL databases, while pgweb is designed to facilitate database browsing, query execution, and management tasks within PostgreSQL databases through a user-friendly web interface.