Claimable Postgres

Create an instant Postgres database with Claimable Postgres by Neon (pg.new) for fast local development, demos, prototyping, and test environments.

Databases are temporary by default (typically 72 hours) and can be claimed later to a Neon account for permanent use.

Quick Start

Run:

npx get-db

This provisions a database and writes DATABASE_URL to .env.

When to Use Which Method

CLI (npx get-db)

Use this by default for most users who want a fast setup in an existing project.

npx get-db

Common flags:

• -y, --yes: skip prompts
• -e, --env <path>: choose env file path
• -k, --key <name>: customize env var key (default DATABASE_URL)
• -s, --seed <path>: run SQL seed file
• -L, --logical-replication: enable logical replication
• -r, --ref <id>: set source/referrer id

SDK (get-db/sdk)

Use this for scripts and programmatic provisioning flows.

import { instantPostgres } from "get-db/sdk";

const db = await instantPostgres();
console.log(db.connectionString);

REST API

Use this for non-Node environments or custom integrations.

curl -X POST https://pg.new/api/v1/database \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"ref":"my-app"}'

Agent Workflow

1. Confirm user wants a temporary, no-signup database.
2. Ask whether they want CLI, SDK, or API (default to CLI).
3. If CLI, run npx get-db in the project root.
4. Verify DATABASE_URL was added to the intended env file.
5. Offer a quick connection test (SELECT 1) in their stack.
6. Explain expiry and how to keep it via claim URL.

Output to Provide to the User

Always return:

• where the connection string was written (for example .env)
• which variable key was used (DATABASE_URL or custom key)
• whether a PUBLIC_CLAIM_URL is present
• a reminder that unclaimed DBs are temporary

Safety and UX Notes

• Do not overwrite existing env files; update in place.
• Ask before destructive seed SQL (DROP, TRUNCATE, mass DELETE).
• For production workloads, recommend standard Neon provisioning instead of temporary claimable DBs.
• If users need long-term persistence, instruct them to open the claim URL immediately.