Error
Error Code:
42622
PostgreSQL Error 42622: Name Too Long
Description
This error indicates that an identifier (such as a table name, column name, or function name) exceeds PostgreSQL's maximum allowed length. It typically occurs during object creation or definition when the provided name is excessively long, leading to a syntax error or a violation of naming rules.
Error Message
name too long
Known Causes
3 known causesExceeding Identifier Length Limits
PostgreSQL has a default maximum identifier length (typically 63 bytes). Using names longer than this limit for objects like tables, columns, or functions will trigger this error.
Dynamically Generated Long Names
Applications or scripts that dynamically generate database object names might inadvertently create identifiers that exceed PostgreSQL's length constraints, especially when concatenating multiple strings.
Migration from Other Databases
Other database systems might have different or higher limits for identifier lengths. Migrating a schema directly without adjusting object names could lead to this error in PostgreSQL.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Shorten Object Names easy
Reduce the length of table, column, or other object names that exceed PostgreSQL's limits.
1
Identify the specific object (table, column, index, etc.) that is causing the 'name too long' error. The error message usually provides context.
2
Rename the offending object to a shorter, descriptive name. Use the `ALTER` command. For example, to rename a table:
ALTER TABLE long_object_name RENAME TO short_name;3
If the issue is with a column name, use:
ALTER TABLE table_name RENAME COLUMN long_column_name TO short_column_name;4
If the issue is with an index name (often automatically generated), you might need to drop and recreate it with a shorter name, or use `ALTER INDEX` if supported for renaming.
ALTER INDEX long_index_name RENAME TO short_index_name;5
After renaming, ensure any applications or scripts that reference the object are updated to use the new, shorter name.
2. Use Aliases for Long Object Names in Queries easy
Employ table and column aliases within SQL queries to work around name length issues without altering the database schema.
1
When writing SQL queries that involve tables or columns with very long names, use aliases to shorten them within the query context. This is a quick fix for query-specific issues.
SELECT long_table_name.long_column_name FROM long_table_name AS ltn WHERE ltn.another_long_column = 'some_value';2
For columns, you can also use aliases in the `SELECT` list to provide a shorter output name:
SELECT long_column_name AS scn FROM your_table;3
This solution does not modify the database schema and is purely for query readability and avoiding the error during query execution.
3. Review and Simplify Naming Conventions medium
Establish and enforce a consistent, shorter naming convention for database objects to prevent future 'name too long' errors.
1
Analyze your current database schema and identify any existing objects with excessively long names. This might involve scripting queries to find names exceeding a certain character limit.
SELECT proname, pg_get_function_identity_arguments(oid) FROM pg_proc WHERE length(proname) > 30;
SELECT relname FROM pg_class WHERE relkind = 'r' AND length(relname) > 30;
SELECT attname FROM pg_attribute WHERE length(attname) > 30 AND attnum > 0;2
Define a clear and concise naming convention for tables, columns, indexes, functions, and other database objects. Aim for names that are descriptive but well within PostgreSQL's limits (typically 63 bytes for object names).
3
Communicate and enforce this new naming convention among your development and DBA teams. This might involve code reviews, automated checks in CI/CD pipelines, or using database design tools.
4
When creating new objects, adhere strictly to the established convention. For existing objects with long names, consider a phased approach to rename them as part of ongoing maintenance or feature development.