Migrating data from Firebird to PostgreSQL

This guide walks you through migrating data from Firebird to PostgreSQL in a few simple steps using ESF Database Migration Toolkit. Simplify complex migration tasks and save valuable time with our streamlined approach.

Firebird vs. PostgreSQL:

  • FireBird is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) that offers robust features, high performance, and scalability. It provides cross-platform support, running on Windows, Linux, macOS, and various Unix platforms. With its SQL compliance, ACID transactions, and multi-generational architecture, Firebird is well-suited for both small-scale applications and enterprise-level deployments. Additionally, its lightweight footprint and minimal administration requirements make it a popular choice for embedded database solutions.
  • PostgreSQL is a powerful, open-source relational database management system known for its reliability, robust feature set, and extensibility. It offers support for a wide range of data types, indexing techniques, and advanced features such as full-text search, JSON support, and geospatial data processing. With a strong emphasis on standards compliance and ACID compliance, PostgreSQL is widely used across various industries for handling complex data management tasks, from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise applications. Its active community, frequent updates, and ecosystem of extensions contribute to its popularity and ongoing development.

Prerequisite:

  • Software Required:

    64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.08 (2025-07-11).
    (md5: e93a0ef57622bfd8ee77d6aa6e38c13b)
    32-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.2.08 (2025-07-11).
    (md5: bd34cb7f73c88c6d0c7a44069ad756d6)
  • System Supported:

    • Windows 7 or higher.
    • Firebird 1.5 or higher.
    • PostgreSQL 7.x or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

  1. Configure Firebird/InterBase Connection

    • In the Choose a Data Source dialog:
      • Select Firebird/InterBase from available options
    • Provide authentication credentials:
      • Username: SYSDBA (default)
      • Password: masterkey (default)
    • Select the database character set from dropdown
    • Specify database location:
      • Click the [...] button (Browse)
      • Select your Firebird (.fdb) or InterBase (.gdb) file
    • For network connections:
      • Enter server address in format: [server_name][/port][/path_to_file]
      • Examples:
        • localhost/3050:/var/db/test.fdb
        • dbserver.example.com:/data/prod.gdb
    Firebird/InterBase connection configuration dialog showing authentication fields, character set dropdown, and database location controls
    Fig. 1: Configuring Firebird/InterBase data source
  2. Configure PostgreSQL Destination

    • In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
      • Select "PostgreSQL"
    • Enter server connection details:
      • Server name: localhost (default)
      • Port: 5432 (default)
    • Provide authentication credentials:
      • Username: postgres (default)
      • Associated password
    • Configure character encoding:
      • Select database character set (default: UTF8)
      • Required for non-ASCII characters (e.g., German, French, Japanese)
    • Database selection/creation:
      • Select existing database or enter new database name
      • Click the Refresh button to list available databases
      • New databases are automatically created during migration
    • Schema configuration:
      • Enter or select target schema name (default: public)
      • Click the Refresh Schema button to list available schemas
    "Choose a Destination" dialog showing PostgreSQL configuration options including server settings, character set selection, and schema controls
    Fig. 2: PostgreSQL destination configuration
  3. In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog

    • Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
      Select Tables & Views
      Fig. 3: Select tables and views
    • Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
      Transform
      Fig. 4: Do transform
    • Configure field mapping: In the Field Mapping options:
      • Customize destination fields (name, data type, default value, comments)
      • Select data transfer method:
        • Overwrite Table (replace existing data)
        • Empty Data (truncate before insert)
        • Append Data (add to existing data)
        • Skip Table (exclude from transfer)
      • Apply data filters before transfer
  4. Execution Dialog

    • Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from Firebird to PostgreSQL.
      Execute
      Fig. 5: Execute migration
    • Monitor progress: Click "Browse Log" for real-time migration tracking, including issue resolution details.
    • Save configuration: Click "Save as job" to store settings for:
      • Quick reloads of migration jobs
      • Command-line execution (use: dmtc.exe --help for parameter options)
  5. Finished!

    After migration completes, the toolkit generates a comprehensive report for verifying migration accuracy. You can monitor progress as the automated process runs efficiently. For any questions or feedback, contact us – our team is ready to assist.

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Related Links:

1. FireBird to DB2 Migration
2. FireBird to MS Access Migration
3. FireBird to MS Excel Migration
4. FireBird to MariaDB Migration
5. FireBird to MySQL Migration
6. FireBird to Oracle Migration
7. FireBird to SQL Azure Migration
8. FireBird to SQL Server Migration
 
1. DB2 to PostgreSQL Migration
2. Foxpro to PostgreSQL Migration
3. Informix to PostgreSQL Migration
4. InterSystems Cache to PostgreSQL Migration
5. MS Access to PostgreSQL Migration
6. MS Excel to PostgreSQL Migration
7. MariaDB to PostgreSQL Migration
8. MySQL to PostgreSQL Migration
9. Oracle to PostgreSQL Migration
10. SQL Azure to PostgreSQL Migration
11. SQL Server to PostgreSQL Migration
12. SQLite to PostgreSQL Migration