# How to Exit Postgres' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell)

> In PostgreSQL, various methods are used to exit the Postgres command line utility, such as the “\q” or “\quit” commands, and “CTRL + C”, “CTRL + D”, or “CTRL +…

Various command line utilities have different exit conventions, which makes it difficult to recall/remember the exact command needed to exit them. When it comes to Postgres, it provides a default command line interface, known as “SQL Shell” or “psql”. This interface enables users to perform database operations using different commands and meta-commands.

One of the most convenient ways of exiting the Postgres command line utility is by executing one of these special meta-commands. Moreover, if a user forgets the meta-command he can use the “\?” to get help regarding available meta-commands.

This post will illustrate the several methods to exit from Postgres’ command line utility.

 **How to Exit Postgres ' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell)?**

Use one of the below-exhibited methods to exit the Postgres command line utility:

\- Using \q  
\- Using \quit  
\- Using CTRL + C  
\- Using CTRL + D (Linux)  
\- Using CTRL + Z (Windows)

Let’s start with “\q”.

 **How to Exit Postgres ' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell) Using \q?**

SQL Shell or psql supports a meta-command named “\q” that helps us quit the Postgres command line utility. Here is the practical demonstration of the stated meta-command:
    
    
    \q

Executing the “\q” meta-command will ask you to press any key:

Pressing any keyboard key will close the SQL Shell.

 **How to Exit Postgres ' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell) Using \quit?**

Alternatively, users can execute the “\quit” meta-command to exit/quit the Postgres command line utility. Here is the practical implementation of the stated meta-command:
    
    
    \quit

Press any keyboard key to exit the SQL Shell:

 **How to Exit Postgres ' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell) Using CTRL + C?**

The “CTRL + C” is the shortcut key for exiting the Postgres command line utility. For a better understanding of the given shortcut key, check out the below-given snippet:
    
    
    CTRL + C

Press Y and hit ENTER to terminate the Postgres’ command line utility:

 **How to Exit Postgres ' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell) Using CTRL + D?**

In the Linux operating system, the CTRL + D is a shortcut key that allows us to exit from the Postgres command line utility. Check out the below-given steps for a profound understanding of the stated shortcut key:

 **Step 1: Access Postgres From Terminal**

Launch the terminal, and use the following “sudo” command to access the Postgres command line utility:
    
    
    sudo -u postgres psql

 **Step 2: Access Postgres From Terminal**

Now hit the “ **CTRL + D** ” shortcut key on the keyboard to exit the Postgres command line utility:
    
    
    CTRL + D

The output snippet shows pressing the CTRL + D shortcut key exited us from the Postgres command line utility:

 **How to Exit Postgres ' Command Line Utility (SQL Shell) Using CTRL + Z?**

In the Windows operating system, the CTRL + Z is a shortcut key that helps us exit from the Postgres command line utility. Go through the below-provided steps to find out how this shortcut key works:

 **Step 1: Access Postgres From CMD**

Launch the CMD, and use the cd command to get into the Postgres bin directory:
    
    
    cd \Program Files\PostgreSQL\15\bin

 **Step 2: Connect to Postgres**

Now use the below-stated psql command to connect to the Postgres:
    
    
    psql -U postgres

 **Step 3: Exit Postgres Command Line Utility**

Now type in the “ **CTRL + Z** ” shortcut key on the keyboard and hit the ENTER button to exit the Postgres command line utility:
    
    
    CTRL + Z

The output snippet shows that we have successfully exited the Postgres command line utility:

That’s all about exiting the Command Line Utility (SQL Shell).

 **Conclusion**

In PostgreSQL, various methods are used to exit the Postgres command line utility, such as the “\q” or “\quit” commands, and “CTRL + C”, “CTRL + D”, or “CTRL + Z” shortcut keys. The most convenient way of exiting the Postgres command line utility is to execute the “\q” or “\quit” meta-commands. This post has illustrated several methods for exiting the Postgres command line utility, i.e., SQL Shell or psql.

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