PostgreSQL psql: Schema Navigation Quick Reference

Amelye Chatila — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 06:43:36 +0000

A short refresher for navigating PostgreSQL databases, schemas, and objects from the psql command line.

Schemas

List all schemas:

\dn

List schemas with additional information:

\dn+

Check the current schema search path:

SHOW search_path;

Set the schema search path for the current session:

SET search_path TO schema_name;

List databases:

\l

Connect to another database:

\c database_name

Show the current connection:

\conninfo

Show the current database:

SELECT current_database();

Show the current user:

SELECT current_user;

List tables in the current schema:

\dt

List tables in a specific schema:

\dt schema_name.*

List tables across all schemas:

\dt *.*

List tables with additional information:

\dt+

Show the structure of a table:

\d table_name

Show detailed information about a table:

\d+ table_name

List views:

\dv

List functions:

\df

List indexes:

\di

List sequences:

\ds

List installed extensions:

\dx

\q

These commands cover most of the basic navigation and object discovery you'll need when working with PostgreSQL from the command line.