Do I need PostgreSQL if I'm just launching an MVP?

Not necessarily.

For an MVP, the right database is the one that lets you ship fastest without painting yourself into a corner too badly. PostgreSQL is a strong default, but it’s not mandatory.

When PostgreSQL is a good choice

Choose Postgres if you expect:

• relational data with joins
• transactions that need to be reliable
• moderate complexity in queries
• growth beyond a tiny prototype
• wanting one database that can handle a lot of use cases well

It’s often the safest “default” because it’s powerful, stable, and widely supported.

When you might not need it

You may not need Postgres if:

• your app is very simple
• you’re just validating an idea quickly
• your data is mostly document-like or flexible
• you already have a backend/service that comes with another datastore
• speed of implementation matters more than long-term structure

For example, for a very early MVP, people often use:

• SQLite
• Firebase / Firestore
• Supabase (which is Postgres underneath)
• MongoDB
• a hosted backend like Airtable or Notion for ultra-light prototypes

Practical recommendation

If you’re unsure:

• Use PostgreSQL if you’re building a real app with users, accounts, payments, or anything transactional.
• Use something simpler like SQLite or Firebase if you’re just testing demand and want to move extremely fast.

Simple rule of thumb

• Prototype to learn → simplest tool that works
• MVP you might keep growing → PostgreSQL is usually the best default

If you want, I can help you choose between Postgres, SQLite, Firebase, or Supabase based on your exact MVP idea.