How to Update an Array Slice in PostgreSQL

When we update an array in PostgreSQL, we can update one specific element or we can update a whole slice (a range of elements).

To update a slice, we use a syntax that references the lower and upper bounds of the slice, separated by a colon. We also provide the new values that will be assigned to each element within that slice.

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Create an ENUM Type in PostgreSQL

Some RDBMSs support an enum type, which comprise a static, ordered set of values. Also known as enumerated types, enum types can be handy for making a column accept just a small set of values, such as days in the week, predefined clothing sizes, or any number of other preset values.

In PostgreSQL, if we want to create a table that uses an enum type, we need to create the enum type first, then apply it against the table. This is a bit different to other RDBMSs such as MySQL, where we don’t need to create the enum type first.

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Using the VARIADIC Keyword with the FORMAT() Function in PostgreSQL

When we use the format() function in PostgreSQL, we can pass any number of strings to insert into the resulting formatted string in positions that are specified in the first argument. When we do this, we might typically pass the strings as separate arguments. But this isn’t the only way to do it.

We have the option of passing the strings as array elements. That is, we can pass an array to the function, and have it extract each array element as though it’s a separate argument to insert into the formatted string.

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How to Select an Element from an Array in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL provides us with the ability to create arrays, extract element values from them, and more. When it comes to selecting values, there’s a special syntax that we must use in order to get the exact element that we want to select.

Basically, the syntax involves the array or column name, followed by a pair of square brackets with the subscript of the element that we want to select.

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2 Ways to Insert an Array into a Table in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL allows us to create columns that store arrays. That is, we can define the column as an array column so that we can insert arrays into the column. This enables us to work with the arrays in the columns without it being confused with plain text.

We have a couple of options for inserting arrays into columns. One is to use an array literal. Another is to use an array constructor. Examples of each of these options are below.

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Understanding the Difference Between SCALE(), MIN_SCALE() and TRIM_SCALE() in PostgreSQL

Anyone who looks at PostgreSQL’s list of mathematical functions will notice that there are some functions that have “scale” in their name. In particular, scale(), min_scale(), and trim_scale().

While these functions all have a similar name, they each have a different purpose. That said, they’re all related to the scale of the given number. The scale is the number of digits to the right of the decimal point in a number. For example, the number 1.95 has a scale of 2, and 1.958 has a scale of 3.

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2 Ways of Creating a Composite Type in PostgreSQL

In PostgreSQL, a composite type is a data type that represents the structure of a row or record. It’s basically a list of field names and their data types.

We can use composite types in many of the same ways we can use simple types, such as in table columns.

Below are two ways of creating composite types in PostgreSQL.

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