PostgresDB 39004: Null Value Not Allowed

Null value was not allowed in the external routine.

When encountering the error 39004: Null Value Not Allowed from a Postgres database, follow these specific actions:

  1. Identify the Query Causing the Error: Check your application logs to identify the specific query or operation that led to this error. This step is crucial for pinpointing where the null value is being rejected.
  2. Examine the Table Schema: Run the following SQL command to inspect the schema of the table involved in the error, replacing your_table_name with the actual table name. This command will help you understand which columns do not allow null values.
  3. \d your_table_name
  4. Check Constraints: If the schema review doesn't clarify which column is causing the issue, check for any constraints that might be rejecting null values with the following query, replacing your_table_name:
  5. SELECT conname, pg_get_constraintdef(c.oid)
    FROM pg_constraint c
    JOIN pg_namespace n ON n.oid = c.connamespace
    WHERE contype = 'c' AND n.nspname = 'your_schema_name' AND relname = 'your_table_name';
  6. Replace your_schema_name with the schema name if different from the default (public).
  7. Review the Insert/Update Query: Based on the information from steps 2 and 3, review the SQL INSERT or UPDATE query that caused the error. Ensure that all columns that are defined as NOT NULL in the table schema are provided with non-null values in your query.
  8. Modify the Query: Adjust your SQL query to either:
    • Provide a non-null value for the column that is causing the issue.
    • If the column allows for it, modify the column to accept null values with the following SQL command, if applicable:ALTER TABLE yourtablename ALTER COLUMN yourcolumnname DROP NOT NULL;
  9. Only run this command if it is appropriate for your application logic and data integrity requirements.
  10. Retry the Query: After making the necessary adjustments, retry your query to see if the issue is resolved.
  11. Monitor Logs and Performance: Continue to monitor application logs and database performance to ensure that the change has not introduced new issues.

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