PostgresDB 22013: Invalid Preceding or Following Size in Window Function

Invalid size specified in a window function.

When encountering the error "22013: Invalid Preceding or Following Size in Window Function" in PostgreSQL, the user should:

  1. Review the Query: Carefully check the window function in your SQL query. Ensure that the PRECEDE or FOLLOWING clause uses a valid numerical value. The error typically means there’s a logical problem with how the window frame is defined.
  2. Check for Negative Values: If your window function includes a frame definition (like ROWS BETWEEN 1 PRECEDING AND 1 FOLLOWING), ensure that no part of this definition results in a negative range or an illogical frame specification.
  3. Validate Data Types: Ensure that the data types used in the OVER clause are compatible and correctly implemented. Mismatches or incorrect usage can sometimes trigger this error.
  4. Execute a Simplified Query: Temporarily remove or simplify the window function and run the query again. This step helps in isolating the issue to the window function itself.
  5. Consult PostgreSQL Documentation: Look up the specific window function in the PostgreSQL documentation to ensure it’s being used correctly.
  6. Run Diagnostic Queries: Execute diagnostic queries to inspect the dataset you’re working with. For example, if you’re using ROWS BETWEEN with variable bounds, validate those variables with a query like SELECT MIN(your_column), MAX(your_column) FROM your_table; to ensure they fall within a valid range.
  7. Examine Execution Plan: Use EXPLAIN with your query to see the execution plan. While this won’t directly solve the window function error, it can provide insights into how PostgreSQL is interpreting your query.
  8. Update PostgreSQL: If possible, ensure your PostgreSQL server is updated to the latest version. Some errors can be the result of bugs that are fixed in later versions.

These actions focus on directly addressing and investigating the specific error message related to window functions in PostgreSQL, enabling the user to correct the issue or better understand the cause.

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