Error
Error Code:
8034
SQL Server TVP Error
Description
This error indicates a problem with the data format being sent to a table-valued parameter (TVP) in SQL Server. Specifically, the precision or scale of a `sql_variant` data type within the TVP is invalid, causing the server to reject the data stream.
Error Message
The incoming tabular data stream (TDS) remote procedure call (RPC) protocol stream is incorrect. Table-valued parameter %d (%.*ls), row %I64d, column %d: Data type 0x%02X (sql_variant) has an invalid precision or scale for type-specific metadata.
Known Causes
4 known causesIncorrect Precision/Scale
The `sql_variant` column within the TVP is defined with a precision or scale that is incompatible with the actual data being sent.
Data Type Mismatch
The data being inserted into the `sql_variant` column does not match the expected data type metadata defined for the TVP.
Client-Side Data Error
The client application sending the data to SQL Server is generating incorrect TDS protocol stream due to a bug or misconfiguration.
Corrupted Data Stream
The data stream being sent to SQL Server has been corrupted during transmission.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Correct SQL_VARIANT Data Type Metadata medium
Ensure the precision and scale for sql_variant types within the TVP are correctly defined.
1
Identify the specific column within your Table-Valued Parameter (TVP) that is causing the error. The error message provides clues like `column %d` and `Data type 0x%02X (sql_variant)`.
2
Examine the definition of your TVP. If the problematic column is defined as `sql_variant`, review how you are populating it from your application or calling script. The issue often arises when the metadata for the underlying data type of a `sql_variant` is not correctly transmitted.
3
In your calling code (e.g., C#, Python with pyodbc/pymssql, PowerShell), when constructing the `DataTable` or equivalent structure that represents your TVP, explicitly define the `DataType` property of the `DataColumn` to match the *actual* data type you are inserting into the `sql_variant`. For example, if you are inserting an integer, set the `DataColumn.DataType` to `typeof(int)`. If you are inserting a decimal with specific precision/scale, set it accordingly.
csharp
// Example in C# for SQL Server
var dataTable = new DataTable();
dataTable.Columns.Add("VariantColumn", typeof(int)); // Or typeof(decimal), typeof(string), etc.
// ... populate rows ...
4
If you are using a tool or framework that abstracts TVP creation, consult its documentation for how to correctly specify data types for `sql_variant` columns. Sometimes, this involves setting specific metadata properties.
2. Avoid Using SQL_VARIANT in TVPs When Possible medium
Replace sql_variant columns in TVPs with specific, strongly-typed columns.
1
Review the design of your Table-Valued Parameter. If a column is defined as `sql_variant` and you know the range of possible data types it will hold, consider creating separate, strongly-typed columns in the TVP instead.
2
Modify the TVP definition in SQL Server to have multiple columns, each with a specific data type that covers the expected values. For example, instead of one `sql_variant` column, you might have `IntegerColumn INT`, `DecimalColumn DECIMAL(18, 2)`, `StringColumn VARCHAR(255)`, etc.
sql
-- Original TVP (problematic)
CREATE TYPE MyVariantTVP AS TABLE (
ID INT,
Value sql_variant
);
-- Revised TVP (preferred)
CREATE TYPE MyTypedTVP AS TABLE (
ID INT,
IntValue INT NULL,
DecimalValue DECIMAL(18, 2) NULL,
StringValue VARCHAR(255) NULL
);
3
Update your application code to populate these new strongly-typed columns in the TVP instead of the `sql_variant` column. This eliminates the ambiguity and metadata issues associated with `sql_variant`.
csharp
// Example in C# for calling the revised TVP
var dataTable = new DataTable();
dataTable.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));
dataTable.Columns.Add("IntValue", typeof(int));
dataTable.Columns.Add("DecimalValue", typeof(decimal));
dataTable.Columns.Add("StringValue", typeof(string));
dataTable.Rows.Add(1, 100, null, null);
dataTable.Rows.Add(2, null, 123.45m, null);
dataTable.Rows.Add(3, null, null, "Some Text");
4
Adjust your stored procedure or T-SQL code that consumes the TVP to handle the different strongly-typed columns accordingly. This might involve using `CASE` statements or other logic to process the appropriate column based on which one has a value.
sql
-- Example in stored procedure
CREATE PROCEDURE usp_ProcessMyData (@MyData MyTypedTVP READONLY)
AS
BEGIN
SELECT
ID,
CASE
WHEN IntValue IS NOT NULL THEN CAST(IntValue AS VARCHAR(50))
WHEN DecimalValue IS NOT NULL THEN CAST(DecimalValue AS VARCHAR(50))
WHEN StringValue IS NOT NULL THEN StringValue
ELSE NULL
END AS ProcessedValue
FROM @MyData;
END;
3. Verify Application Data Type Conversion easy
Ensure the data types being sent from the client application are correctly mapped and converted before being sent as a TVP.
1
Examine the code in your application that is responsible for creating and populating the `DataTable` (or equivalent) that will be passed as a Table-Valued Parameter. Pay close attention to how data is being converted and assigned to columns, especially if `sql_variant` is involved.
2
If you are using a .NET application, use the debugger to inspect the `DataTable` just before it's passed to the `SqlCommand`. Verify that the `DataType` property of each `DataColumn` is set correctly and that the values in the rows match the expected data types.
csharp
// In your C# code, after populating DataTable
// Set a breakpoint here and inspect dataTable
SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand("YourStoredProcedure", connection);
cmd.CommandType = CommandType.StoredProcedure;
SqlParameter tvpParam = cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@YourTVP", dataTable);
tvpParam.SqlDbType = SqlDbType.Structured;
tvpParam.TypeName = "YourSchema.YourTVPName";
// Execute command...
3
For other languages or frameworks, consult their documentation on how to correctly construct and pass `DataTable` or similar structures for SQL Server TVPs. Ensure that implicit type conversions are not leading to unexpected data type metadata being sent.
4
If the data originates from another source (e.g., a file, another database), ensure that the extraction and transformation process correctly handles data types before they are loaded into the TVP. Explicitly cast or convert data to the expected types.