pgvector
Vector databasesA PostgreSQL extension that adds vector similarity search to a database you already run.
pgvector adds a vector column type and similarity operators to PostgreSQL. Embeddings live in the same database as the rest of your application data, and a similarity search is just another SQL query, joinable against everything else.
Because it lives inside Postgres, it inherits Postgres: backups, replication, access control, and the operational know-how your team already has. For most retrieval workloads that is the whole pitch — one fewer system to run.
Where it's ideally used
The right call when your data already lives in Postgres and the vector workload is moderate — retrieval without a second database.
Where it doesn't fit
Strained at very large scale or extreme query throughput, where a purpose-built vector database will serve you better.