Features
DB2 reports SQLCODE -302, SQLSTATE 22001 when a supplied value is longer than the length allowed by the target column, expression, or host variable.
DB2 SQLCODE -302 / SQLSTATE 22001 is raised when a value is too long for its target column or host variable. Trim or cast the value to the defined length, or enlarge the column/variable to remove the truncation error.
SQLCODE -302, SQLSTATE 22001: THE VALUE OF INPUT VARIABLE OR PARAMETER NUMBER position-number IS INVALID OR TOO LARGE FOR THE TARGET COLUMN OR THE TARGET VALUE
DB2 raises SQLCODE -302 (SQLSTATE 22001) when a host variable, parameter marker, or literal value is longer than the length allowed by the target column, expression, or parameter. The database protects data integrity by refusing to implicitly truncate the oversized value.This error appears during INSERT, UPDATE, MERGE, or SELECT INTO operations, and during stored procedures when OUT or INOUT parameters overflow. Applications using CLI, JDBC, ODBC, or embedded SQL all receive the same diagnostic.
Oversized input values are the primary trigger. Supplying a VARCHAR(200) string into a VARCHAR(100) column will fail with -302 because DB2 will not silently cut the extra 100 characters.Mismatched host variable declarations in COBOL, C, Java, or Python drivers frequently cause the overflow. Declaring a 5-byte buffer for a DECIMAL(10,2) or CHAR(20) column reproduces the error instantly.Parameter markers used with dynamic SQL inherit the default length of 1. Forgetting to use CAST() or setting proper data types leaves DB2 thinking the marker is too long.National character sets and multi-byte UTF-8 data enlarge stored byte counts. Even when the character count fits, the byte length can exceed the limit and trigger SQLSTATE 22001.
First, identify the offending position-number reported in the message. Inspect the matching column or host variable to compare declared length against the supplied value.Trim, substring, or cast the incoming value to fit. When the data truly requires more space, alter the column or variable length with ALTER TABLE or language declarations.When using parameter markers, wrap them in explicit CAST() clauses to inform DB2 of the intended size. JDBC example: INSERT INTO emp(name) VALUES(CAST(? AS VARCHAR(50))).For CLI and embedded SQL, redefine host variables with the correct SQLTYPE and length, then re-prepare or re-bind the application package.
INSERT with literal overflow: use SUBSTRING('long text',1,100) or ALTER TABLE .. ALTER COLUMN to VARCHAR(200).UNION queries: CAST each SELECT list element to equal lengths to prevent overflow in the result buffer.LOAD or IMPORT utilities: use MODIFIED BY coldel and CHARDEL options, or enlarge column widths before loading.Stored procedure OUT parameter overflow: change the caller’s declare section or use SET RESULT SETS to return data.
Design tables with realistic margin on VARCHAR and DECIMAL lengths based on profiling of real data volumes.Add client-side validation that enforces maximum length before sending SQL to DB2. Use UI limits, ORMs, or CHECK constraints.Always specify explicit CAST sizes for parameter markers, especially in dynamic SQL frameworks and ORM generated queries.Enable statement monitoring in Galaxy SQL editor to trace SQLCODE -302 occurrences and quickly spot culprit statements during development.
SQLCODE -303/SQLSTATE 22015 occurs when data type is incompatible, not just length. Re-cast the value.SQLCODE -413/SQLSTATE 22003 signals numeric overflow; adjust DECIMAL precision or scale.SQLCODE -802/SQLSTATE 22012 is division by zero; validate divisors before execution.The same fix-strategy pattern—validate inputs and align data types—applies across these truncation and overflow errors.
Input string longer than target VARCHAR/CHAR length.Host variable or parameter defined with smaller length than column.Missing CAST around parameter marker in dynamic SQL.Multibyte UTF-8 data exceeding byte-length limit.Numeric value containing more digits than DECIMAL precision.
SQLCODE -303 / SQLSTATE 22015 – incompatible data type for assignment or comparison.SQLCODE -304 / SQLSTATE 22003 – numeric value out of range.SQLCODE -413 / SQLSTATE 22003 – overflow during computation.SQLCODE -181 / SQLSTATE 22007 – invalid date, time, or timestamp format.
The error text includes a position number. Match this number to the sequence of host variables or parameter markers, or query SYSCAT.COLUMNS by column ordinal.
No. DB2 preserves data integrity by rejecting overlength data rather than silently truncating it.
For VARCHAR columns, larger lengths have minimal impact. CHAR columns allocate full length, so widening them increases row size and can slow I/O.
Galaxy’s AI copilot flags mismatched data types during query composition and suggests CAST or ALTER commands before execution, reducing runtime errors.
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