Import and Export using COPY

Lesson in the PostgreSQL Roadmap · Stage 8: Configuring

Last updated 14 September 2026

What is Import and Export using COPY?

In PostgreSQL, one of the fastest and most efficient ways to import and export data is by using the COPY command. The COPY command allows you to import data from a file, or to export data to a file from a table or a query result.

If you can't use the COPY command due to lack of privileges, consider using the \copy command in the psql client instead, which works similarly, but runs as the current user rather than the PostgreSQL server.

Study this in the interactive course See the whole PostgreSQL roadmap

Free resources to learn Import and Export using COPY

Official docsCOPY
ArticleCopying Data Between Tables in PostgreSQL

Import and Export using COPY: common questions

Can I learn Import and Export using COPY in Hindi?

This lesson is written in English. Once you sign in, open it in the interactive course and ask the AI tutor to explain Import and Export using COPY in Hindi or Hinglish. The tutor answers from this lesson’s own text, so it stays on the syllabus, and it runs on your own Google, OpenAI or Anthropic key.

Is this Import and Export using COPY tutorial for beginners?

It is lesson 47 of 170 in the free PostgreSQL roadmap, in stage 8, Configuring. If you are new to PostgreSQL, start from stage 1 and come back here in order; if you already know the earlier stages, this lesson stands on its own.