PostgresDB 22001: String data right truncation

Happens when the data is too large for the target column.
  1. Identify the specific column and table related to the error. Use the error log details to find this information.
  2. Check the length of the input string causing the error. For example, if the error is related to a specific column named column_name in table_name, run:

SELECT max(length(column_name)) FROM table_name;

  1. Compare the maximum length from the query above with the defined column length using the \d table_name command in the psql terminal to describe the table structure and find the defined length for column_name.
  2. If the input string exceeds the column length, consider truncating the input to match the column length. For example:

UPDATE table_name SET column_name = substr(column_name, 1, [max_length]) WHERE length(column_name) > [max_length];

Replace [max_length] with the appropriate length limit.

  1. Alternatively, if truncating data is not desirable, adjust the column length to accommodate larger data. First, ensure there's enough space on the database server for schema changes, then run:

ALTER TABLE table_name ALTER COLUMN column_name TYPE varchar(new_length);

Replace new_length with the new size required for the column.

  1. After making adjustments, re-run the operation that caused the error to verify the issue is resolved.

Master

PostgresDB

in Minutes — Grab the Ultimate Cheatsheet

(Perfect for DevOps & SREs)

Most-used commands
Real-world configs/examples
Handy troubleshooting shortcuts
Your email is safe with us. No spam, ever.

Thankyou for your submission

We have sent the cheatsheet on your email!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

PostgresDB

Cheatsheet

(Perfect for DevOps & SREs)

Most-used commands
Your email is safe with us. No spam, ever.

Thankyou for your submission

We have sent the cheatsheet on your email!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid