Separation of Duties in PostgreSQL with Pgcli

Pgcli offers more than a fast and handy PostgreSQL command-line client — it also enables a clean implementation of separation of duties when your team needs precision access boundaries. In environments where database safety is non‑negotiable, Pgcli’s combination of autocompletion, syntax highlighting, and role‑based connections makes it a tool for both speed and discipline.

Separation of duties in PostgreSQL means breaking up permissions so that no single account has unchecked power. Pgcli fits into this security model by letting each role connect with its own credentials. Administrators can run schema changes from one locked‑down account. Analysts can query data read‑only from another. Automation scripts can connect with limited privileges using yet another role. Each Pgcli session respects the account’s permissions, letting the database enforce these boundaries without manual intervention.

Pairing Pgcli with psql’s native role management strengthens the separation of duties. Define roles for distinct functions: Data Definition Language (DDL) changes, routine queries, reporting access, and service accounts. Run Pgcli under the correct role. This prevents accidental updates from analysts, protects sensitive tables from automated jobs, and ensures audit logs can identify who did what, and when.

For teams under compliance frameworks like PCI DSS, SOC 2, or GDPR, Pgcli’s role isolation helps meet audit requirements. Security officers can review logs showing the exact credentials used, while developers still enjoy Pgcli’s speed and usability. No reconfiguration is needed beyond using the correct role credentials at connection time.

To set it up:

1. Create distinct PostgreSQL roles with minimal permissions.
2. Assign users or scripts only the roles they require.
3. Connect via Pgcli using the -U flag or environment variables for each role.
4. Verify activity in Postgres logs.

This approach enforces a disciplined workflow. Pgcli’s fast interface reduces friction, so teams comply with separation of duties without slowing delivery.

See how separation of duties in Pgcli works end‑to‑end in minutes at hoop.dev — run it, watch live boundaries form, and keep control without losing speed.