Fix “multidimensional arrays must have array expressions with matching dimensions” in PostgreSQL

If you’re getting an error that reads “multidimensional arrays must have array expressions with matching dimensions” it’s probably because you’re trying to create a multi-dimensional array where the inner arrays at the same level have different dimensions.

Multidimensional arrays must be rectangular. To fix this issue, make sure all arrays at the same level have the same dimensions.

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Using STRING_TO_TABLE() in PostgreSQL

In PostgreSQL, we can use the string_to_table() function to return a set of rows, each containing a part of the string. The string is split based on the specified delimiter.

If we specify a null delimiter, then each character becomes a separate row in the output. If the delimiter string is empty, then the whole string is returned in a single row.

We also have the option of turning a specific substring into null if required.

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How to Set the datestyle Variable for the Current Session in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL has a datestyle variable that specifies the display format for date and time values, as well as the rules for interpreting ambiguous date input values. 

We can set the date/time style with the SET datestyle command, the DateStyle parameter in the postgresql.conf configuration file, or the PGDATESTYLE environment variable on the server or client.

Below is an example of using the SET datestyle command to change the datestyle for the current session.

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Fix Error “cannot subscript type text because it does not support subscripting” in PostgreSQL

If you’re getting a PostgreSQL error that reads something like “cannot subscript type text because it does not support subscripting” when selecting data from a database, it’s probably because you’re trying to perform some sort of array operation against a non array value.

The above error specifically mentions text data but we could get the same error when using a different data type, like an integer, character varying, etc.

To fix this issue, be sure to run the array operations against actual arrays. If working with non array data, then don’t use array operations against that data.

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How to Create an Empty Array When Using the ARRAY Constructor

In PostgreSQL we can use the ARRAY constructor to create an array. When we do this, we provide the array elements as a comma separated list, enclosed in square brackets. Postgres then works out the data type based on the array elements.

But what if we want to create an empty array?

Creating an empty array can cause issues if we don’t explicitly specify the type. We need to specify the type. Below is an example of creating an empty array in PostgreSQL using the ARRAY constructor.

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How ARRAY_POSITION() Works in PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL has an array_position() function that returns the position of the first occurrence of a given value in an array.

We have the option to specify a starting position, so that the function returns the position of the first occurrence after that.

To get all occurrences, use array_positions() instead.

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Fix “function generate_subscripts(text[], integer, integer) does not exist” in PostgreSQL

If you’re getting a PostgreSQL error that reads something like “function generate_subscripts(text[], integer, integer) does not exist“, it’s probably because your third argument is of the wrong type when using the generate_subscripts() function.

The above error specifically implies that an integer was passed as the third argument, but it must be a boolean value.

The third argument of the generate_subscripts() function is optional, but if passed, it must be a boolean expression.

To fix this error, either pass a boolean value as the third argument, or eliminate the third argument altogether.

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