Re: Pgcrypto install (I've tried multiple ways)

I did read about the pgp functions but they are on another level right now.
I just want to be able to encrypt and decrypt data to a database
competently. From there I'll learn about the more advanced functions.

-----Original Message-----
From: pgsql-novice-owner(at)postgresql(dot)org
[mailto:pgsql-novice-owner(at)postgresql(dot)org] On Behalf Of Tom Lane
Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2011 6:34 PM
To: David Patricola
Cc: pgsql-novice(at)postgresql(dot)org
Subject: Re: [NOVICE] Pgcrypto install (I've tried multiple ways)

"David Patricola" <david(dot)patricola(at)jefferson(dot)edu> writes:
> Actually, what is bytea in terms of type, or rather, what types of
database
> fields will this work with? The field I'm calling from the table is
varchar
> (the encrypt function worked find for this).

bytea is for arbitrary byte strings, ie, non-textual data. Typically
you'd store the output of encrypt() (which yields bytea) in the database
and then apply decrypt() to that. Not sure what you're trying to do
above.

BTW, according to the pgcrypto man page, use of the PGP functions is
preferred over directly using encrypt/decrypt.

regards, tom lane