Error
Error Code:
42602
PostgreSQL Error 42602: Invalid Object Name
Description
PostgreSQL error 42602, 'invalid name', indicates a syntax error or a violation of naming rules for identifiers within a SQL statement. This typically occurs when an object name (like a table, column, or function) does not conform to PostgreSQL's naming conventions or refers to a non-existent entity, preventing the database from parsing the query correctly.
Error Message
invalid name
Known Causes
4 known causesIncorrect Identifier Syntax
Using special characters, starting with numbers, or employing invalid characters in object names without proper double-quoting.
Referencing Non-Existent Object
Attempting to use a table, column, schema, or function name that does not exist in the current database or search path.
Case Sensitivity Mismatch
Referencing an identifier with a different case (e.g., 'MyTable') without double-quoting it, while PostgreSQL automatically folds unquoted names to lowercase.
Using Reserved Keywords
Employing a PostgreSQL reserved keyword (e.g., 'USER', 'TABLE', 'KEY') as an identifier without enclosing it in double quotes.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Correct Typographical Errors in Object Names easy
Verify and correct spelling mistakes in table, column, schema, or function names.
1
Carefully re-read the SQL query or statement that generated the error. Pay close attention to the specific object name mentioned in the error message (if any) or the context around the error.
2
Compare the name used in your query with the actual name of the object in your PostgreSQL database. You can use psql commands or a GUI tool to list existing objects.
-- To list tables:
SELECT tablename FROM pg_tables WHERE schemaname = 'your_schema_name';
-- To list columns for a table:
SELECT column_name FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_name = 'your_table_name';
-- To list functions:
SELECT proname FROM pg_proc WHERE pronamespace = (SELECT oid FROM pg_namespace WHERE nspname = 'your_schema_name');3
Update your query to use the correct spelling of the object name.
-- Example: If you typed 'usr_name' instead of 'user_name'
-- Incorrect:
-- SELECT usr_name FROM users;
-- Correct:
SELECT user_name FROM users;2. Specify the Correct Schema for Object Access medium
Ensure that the schema containing the object is either the default search path or explicitly qualified in the query.
1
Determine which schema the object (table, view, function, etc.) belongs to. If you're unsure, you can query the `pg_class` and `pg_namespace` system catalogs.
-- Replace 'your_object_name' with the name of the object causing the error
SELECT n.nspname AS schema_name
FROM pg_class c
JOIN pg_namespace n ON n.oid = c.relnamespace
WHERE c.relname = 'your_object_name';
-- Or, if it's a function:
SELECT n.nspname AS schema_name
FROM pg_proc p
JOIN pg_namespace n ON n.oid = p.pronamespace
WHERE p.proname = 'your_object_name';2
Check your current `search_path`. This setting determines the order in which PostgreSQL looks for objects if no schema is specified.
SHOW search_path;3
If the object's schema is not in your `search_path` or you want to be explicit, qualify the object name with its schema.
-- If the object 'my_table' is in the 'custom_schema'
-- Incorrect (if custom_schema is not in search_path):
-- SELECT * FROM my_table;
-- Correct:
SELECT * FROM custom_schema.my_table;4
Alternatively, if you frequently access objects from a specific schema, you can add it to your `search_path` for the current session or permanently.
-- For the current session:
SET search_path TO custom_schema, public;
-- To set it permanently for a user (requires superuser privileges):
-- ALTER USER your_username SET search_path = custom_schema, public;3. Handle Case-Sensitivity and Quoted Identifiers medium
Understand how PostgreSQL handles case sensitivity and use double quotes correctly for identifiers that require it.
1
By default, PostgreSQL folds unquoted identifiers to lowercase. If your object name was created with mixed case or uppercase letters, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
-- Example: If a table was created as "MyTable"
-- Incorrect (PostgreSQL will look for 'mytable'):
-- SELECT * FROM MyTable;
-- Correct:
SELECT * FROM "MyTable";2
If you are unsure whether an identifier was quoted or how it was created, it's safest to quote it.
-- General approach for potentially quoted identifiers:
SELECT * FROM "your_object_name";3
Avoid using double quotes for standard lowercase identifiers unless absolutely necessary, as it can lead to confusion.
4. Verify Object Existence and Permissions medium
Confirm that the object actually exists in the database and that the current user has the necessary privileges to access it.
1
Use psql or a GUI tool to confirm that the object (table, view, function, etc.) exists in the expected schema.
-- List tables in a specific schema:
\dt your_schema_name.*
-- List functions in a specific schema:
\df your_schema_name.*
-- If you are connected to the correct database, you can also try:
SELECT EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema = 'your_schema_name' AND table_name = 'your_object_name');2
Check the permissions of the current user on the object. The user needs at least USAGE on the schema and SELECT on the table (or EXECUTE on a function).
-- Check schema usage permission:
SELECT has_schema_privilege('your_schema_name', 'USAGE');
-- Check table access permission:
SELECT has_table_privilege('your_schema_name.your_table_name', 'SELECT');
-- Check function execution permission:
SELECT has_function_privilege('your_schema_name.your_function_name()', 'EXECUTE');3
If permissions are missing, a superuser or the object owner will need to grant them.
-- Grant SELECT permission on a table:
GRANT SELECT ON your_schema_name.your_table_name TO your_username;
-- Grant USAGE permission on a schema:
GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA your_schema_name TO your_username;
-- Grant EXECUTE permission on a function:
GRANT EXECUTE ON FUNCTION your_schema_name.your_function_name() TO your_username;