In this blog, you will see two different methods for an Elasticsearch Postgres integration. The first method involves the use of Python Libraries to complete the data transfer process. The second method uses Hevo’s automated Data Pipeline to set up your Elasticsearch with PostgreSQL connection. Read along to decide which method suits you the best!

Methods to Connect Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL

Method 1: Using Hevo Data to Connect Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL

Don’t worry about the hassle of writing long codes and implementing tens of steps to migrate your data from Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL. Try Hevo and streamline your data migration between sources and destinations like Elasticsearch and PostgreSQL within minutes!

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Method 2: Using Python Libraries to Connect Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL

Migrating data manually using Python libraries is a time-consuming process that demands specific technical knowledge. However, you need not be concerned; we have these simple steps to help you establish your Elasticsearch-Postgres connection using Python libraries.

Method 1: Using Hevo Data to Connect Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL

Hevo Data, a No-code Data Pipeline, helps you directly establish a PostgreSQL Elasticsearch connection in a completely hassle-free & automated manner. Hevo connects to your Elasticsearch cluster using the Elasticsearch transport client and synchronizes the data available in the cluster to your destination.

  • Authenticate Source: Authenticate and configure your Elasticsearch account as the data source.
Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL: Configuring Elasticsearch as Source
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  • Configure Destination: Connect the PostgreSQL Database as the destination.
Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL: Configuring PostgreSQL as Destination
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Move your Data to PostgreSQL seamlessly

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Method 2: Using Python Libraries to Connect Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL

You can easily set up your Elasticsearch Postgres connection using Python Libraries with the following steps:

Step 1: Import Python Libraries

First, import the required Python libraries such as elasticsearch, elasticsearch-dsl, and psycopg2. Elasticsearch is a library that provides a common ground for all Elasticsearch related code written in Python. Elasticsearch DSL is used to write and run queries against Elasticsearch. Psycopg2 is used for connecting to the PostgreSQL database. 

import elasticsearch
from elasticsearch import Elasticsearch
import elasticsearch_dsl
from elasticsearch_dsl import Search
import psycopg2 

Step 2: Create an Elasticsearch Object

Next, create an Elasticsearch object to send a data request to Elasticsearch. You need your Elasticsearch database login credentials to set up a connection.

es= Elasticsearch(hosts= “http://user_name:your_password@localhost:9200/”)

Step 3: Connect to PostgreSQL Database

Similarly, establish a connection to your PostgreSQL database and create a cursor object to execute your INSERT command. 

conn = psycopg2.connect(host=”localhost”, database=”postgres_db_name”, user="postgres”, password= “postgres_password”)
cur = conn.cursor()

Related: Looking to replicate data from Elasticsearch to Databricks? Our blog on Elasticsearch to Databricks provides you with two simple and effective methods to achieve this seamless integration. If you’re new to Elasticsearch and want to learn how to ingest data effortlessly, check out our blog on how to ingest data to Elasticsearch.

Step 4: Get Records from Elasticsearch

Now we will use the Elasticsearch object to get the subscriber’s names.

s= Search(index= “es_db_name”).using(es).query(“match”, status=”subscriber”)
es_result= s.execute()

Step 5: Read Elasticsearch Data into a List

Read es_result into a list which can then be moved to PostgreSQL.

subscriber_list = []
for x in es_result:
    subscriber_list.append(x.name)

All the names in the records will be appended to the empty subsciber_list list. 

Step 6: Load Data into PostgreSQL

Now we just have to load this list into the appropriate solemn in PostgreSQL.

q= “INSERT INTO the_table VALUES (%s)”
cur.execute(q, subsciber_list)
conn.commit()
conn.close()

In the above section, we wrote a query that inserts values into a PostgreSQL table called ‘the_table’. Then we used the cursor we created earlier to load the values in the list subscriber_list into PostgreSQL using the query. Finally, the changes are committed and the PostgreSQL connection is closed.

Step 7: Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL: Final Code

Here is the complete code to load data from Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL:

import elasticsearch
from elasticsearch import Elasticsearch
import elasticsearch_dsl
from elasticsearch_dsl import Search
import psycopg2 

# create an elasticsearch object.

es= Elasticsearch(hosts= “http://user_name:your_password@localhost:9200/”)

# connect to PostgreSQL and create a cursor object.

conn = psycopg2.connect(host=”localhost”, database=”postgres_db_name”, user=”postgres”, password= “postgres_password”)
cur = conn.cursor()

# Get the required data from the documents.

s= Search(index= “es_db_name”).using(es).query(“match”, status=”subscriber”)
es_result= s.execute()

# Load the data into a list.

subscriber_list = []
for x in es_result:
    subscriber_list.append(x.name)


# Load the list into a PostgreSQL table using the INSERT statement and close the connection.

q= “INSERT INTO the_table VALUES (%s)”
cur.execute(q, subsciber_list)
conn.commit()
conn.close()

If you are looking to streamline your PostgreSQL workflow, do read our blog on PostgreSQL import CSV, saving you time and effort. And if you’re interested in optimizing performance and achieving high availability, don’t miss our guide on setting up PostgreSQL clusters [+clustering options].

Conclusion

The article discussed 2 methods of connecting Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL. The first method is to load data from Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL using Python Libraries. But often, in reality, NoSQL data does not have a consistent structure.

The data is usually semi-structured and data needs to be transformed. There are several other complexities involved all of which require heavy engineering bandwidth to deal with. 

Instead, if you need an ETL tool that handles moving data from Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL automatically, give Hevo, a no-code data pipeline a try.

FAQ on Connecting Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL

Can Postgres replace Elasticsearch?

No. Both PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch have different use cases. Elasticsearch can help with the search and analytics. On the other hand, PostgreSQL is a database that can be used for very generic purposes.

Why not use Elasticsearch as database?

We can’t use Elasticsearch as a database because of many reasons. You need a database with it. Because, it needs pre-defined indexes and schemas for functioning. Databases can validate a data movement before permanently making any alterations. You can’t do this with Elasticsearch.

Is Postgres faster than Elasticsearch?

PostgreSQL is faster than ElasticSearch when executing complex queries but not as fast as ElasticSearch for search-related queries.

What is the difference between PostgreSQL full text and Elasticsearch?

While PostgreSQL full-text search is suitable for basic full-text search needs within a relational database context, Elasticsearch excels in handling large-scale, distributed, and complex search and analytics requirements across diverse data sources.

How is Elasticsearch better than SQL?

Elasticsearch excels in scenarios requiring fast and scalable full-text search, real-time analytics, and unstructured or semi-structured data handling. While SQL databases like PostgreSQL are optimal for structured data management and complex relational queries.

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Share your thoughts on loading data from Elasticsearch to PostgreSQL in the comments below.

Nikhil Annadanam
Technical Content Writer, Hevo Data

Nikhil is an accomplished technical content writer with extensive expertise in the data industry. With six years of professional experience, he adeptly creates informative and engaging content that delves into the intricacies of data science. Nikhil's skill lies in merging his problem-solving prowess with a profound grasp of data analytics, enabling him to produce compelling narratives that resonate deeply with his audience.

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