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Description

This error indicates that you are attempting to create a table with a name that already exists within the current database schema. It typically occurs during schema setup, script execution, or when migrating data, preventing the new table from being created.

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Error Message

duplicate table

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Table Name Already Exists

An attempt was made to create a new table using a name that is already in use by an existing table in the current schema.

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Repeated Script Execution

Running a SQL script that includes `CREATE TABLE` statements multiple times without idempotent checks can lead to this error.

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Case Sensitivity Conflict

PostgreSQL treats unquoted identifiers as lowercase. Attempting to create a table named 'MyTable' after 'mytable' already exists (or vice versa) can result in a duplicate table error.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Use IF NOT EXISTS easy

Create only if table doesn't exist

1

Add IF NOT EXISTS to CREATE TABLE

CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS users (
  id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
  email VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL
);

2. Drop and Recreate medium

Remove existing table first

1

Drop with CASCADE if needed

DROP TABLE IF EXISTS users CASCADE;

2

Then create

CREATE TABLE users (
  id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
  email VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL
);

3. Check Schema easy

Table may exist in different schema

1

Check which schema has the table

SELECT schemaname, tablename FROM pg_tables
WHERE tablename = 'users';

2

Create in different schema

CREATE TABLE myschema.users (
  id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY
);

4. Use CREATE OR REPLACE (for views) easy

Replace existing view

1

For views, use CREATE OR REPLACE

CREATE OR REPLACE VIEW active_users AS
SELECT * FROM users WHERE status = 'active';

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Related Errors

5 related errors

PostgreSQL Error 42P07: Duplicate Table Creation