PostgresDB 2200C: Invalid Use of Escape Character

Invalid use of an escape character.
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PostgresDB 2200C: Invalid Use of Escape Character

 ?

When encountering the error 2200C: Invalid Use of Escape Character in PostgreSQL, the user should immediately:

  1. Identify the Query Causing the Error:
    • Review the application logs or PostgreSQL logs to identify the exact query that caused the error. PostgreSQL logs are usually located in the pg_log directory within the data directory of your PostgreSQL installation. Look for lines containing ERROR: 2200C.
  2. Examine the Query Syntax:
    • Look for string literals or identifiers that might be incorrectly using the escape character (\). In PostgreSQL, the default escape character within string literals is the backslash. An error can occur if it's not used properly, for example, in escaping single quotes or when trying to use it in a pattern (like a regular expression) without double escaping.
  3. Correct the Query:
    • If the error is due to an incorrect escape in a string literal, ensure that any single quotes within the string are escaped with two single quotes ('') and not a backslash, or use the E string prefix (E'string\n') to explicitly mark the string as containing escape sequences.
    • For regular expressions or LIKE patterns, make sure backslashes are doubled (\\) if you intend to represent a literal backslash.
  4. Run the Corrected Query:
    • After fixing the query, execute it again to ensure that it works correctly without returning the 2200C error.
  5. Check PostgreSQL Version and Documentation:
    • If the issue persists, verify that your use of escape characters aligns with the syntax expected by your specific version of PostgreSQL, as behavior and functionalities might slightly change between versions. Reference the official PostgreSQL documentation for guidance on string literals and escape characters.
  6. Adjust Database Configuration (if applicable):
    • In rare cases, adjusting database settings related to string literals and escape characters might be necessary. For instance, the standard_conforming_strings setting, which changes the way PostgreSQL interprets escape characters in strings, can be reviewed. You can check its current value with:
    • SHOW standard_conforming_strings;
    • If it's necessary to change this setting for compatibility reasons (though it's generally not recommended without thorough testing), you can do so at the session level:
    • SET standard_conforming_strings = off;
  7. However, this action should be taken cautiously, understanding the implications it might have on the behavior of string literals in your queries.

Remember, modifying database configurations or settings should be done with a clear understanding of the implications and preferably in a testing environment before applying to production.

Attached error: 
PostgresDB 2200C: Invalid Use of Escape Character
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