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Description

This error signifies an issue with the SQL statement attempting to define or modify a database table. It commonly arises when the syntax used for `CREATE TABLE` or `ALTER TABLE` is incorrect, or when the definition violates PostgreSQL's object-relational rules.

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Error Message

invalid table definition

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Incorrect SQL Syntax

The `CREATE TABLE` or `ALTER TABLE` statement contains a grammatical error, misplaced keyword, or an invalid data type definition.

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Reserved Keywords as Identifiers

Attempting to use a PostgreSQL reserved keyword (e.g., `USER`, `TABLE`) as a table name, column name, or other identifier without proper quoting.

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Invalid Constraints or Defaults

Defining columns with incorrect constraints (e.g., malformed `CHECK` clauses, invalid `FOREIGN KEY` references) or incompatible default values for their data types.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Review and Correct Data Type Mismatches easy

Ensure all column definitions use valid and compatible PostgreSQL data types.

1

Examine the `CREATE TABLE` or `ALTER TABLE` statement that is failing. Pay close attention to the data types assigned to each column.

2

Verify that the data types you've chosen are supported by PostgreSQL and are appropriate for the kind of data you intend to store. For example, ensure you're not trying to use a non-existent type or a type meant for a different database system.

SELECT typname FROM pg_type WHERE typname ILIKE '%your_type_name%';

3

If you are creating a table with a specific column type that is causing issues, try simplifying it to a standard type like `VARCHAR`, `INTEGER`, `NUMERIC`, or `TIMESTAMP` to see if the error resolves. If it does, the issue is with the specific type definition.

CREATE TABLE example_table (id INTEGER, name VARCHAR(255));

4

If you are using custom types or extensions, ensure they are correctly installed and available in the current database. You might need to run `CREATE EXTENSION` for them.

CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS "uuid-ossp";
CREATE TABLE users (user_id uuid DEFAULT uuid_generate_v4());

2. Check for Invalid Column/Constraint Names or Syntax easy

Inspect table definitions for invalid characters, reserved keywords, or syntax errors in column and constraint names.

1

Carefully review the `CREATE TABLE` or `ALTER TABLE` statement for any unusual characters in table or column names. While PostgreSQL is flexible, certain characters might cause parsing issues, especially if not properly quoted.

2

Ensure that column names, constraint names (like primary keys, foreign keys, unique constraints), and any other identifiers do not conflict with PostgreSQL reserved keywords. If they do, you must quote them using double quotes.

CREATE TABLE "order" (order_id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, item_name VARCHAR(100)); -- 'order' is a reserved keyword, so it's quoted.

3

Look for syntax errors such as missing commas between column definitions, incorrect placement of `PRIMARY KEY`, `FOREIGN KEY`, `UNIQUE`, or `NOT NULL` constraints, or misplaced parentheses.

CREATE TABLE products (product_id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, product_name VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL, price NUMERIC(10, 2)); -- Correct syntax

4

If you are defining a table inherited from another, ensure the parent table's definition is valid and accessible. Incorrectly specified inheritance can lead to this error.

CREATE TABLE child_table (LIKE parent_table INCLUDING ALL);

3. Validate Table Structure for Partitioned Tables medium

Ensure that for partitioned tables, all partitions adhere to the parent table's structure and constraints.

1

If the error occurs during the creation or modification of a partitioned table, verify that the parent table's definition is sound and that all associated partitions are being created with a compatible structure.

2

Check that all columns defined in the parent partitioned table are present in each child partition with identical names and data types. Any deviation will cause an 'invalid table definition' error.

SELECT column_name, data_type FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_name = 'parent_table' ORDER BY ordinal_position;
SELECT column_name, data_type FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_name = 'child_partition_table' ORDER BY ordinal_position;

3

Ensure that any constraints (like `NOT NULL`) defined on the parent table are also consistently applied or compatible in the child partitions. The partitioning key itself must be defined in all partitions.

ALTER TABLE parent_table ADD CONSTRAINT parent_pk PRIMARY KEY (id);

4

When creating a partition, use the `LIKE` clause with `INCLUDING ALL` to ensure it inherits the parent's structure correctly, or manually define columns to match precisely.

CREATE TABLE child_partition_2023 PARTITION OF parent_table FOR VALUES FROM ('2023-01-01') TO ('2024-01-01') PARTITION BY RANGE (date_column);

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Related Errors

5 related errors

PostgreSQL Error 42P16: Invalid Table Definition