The database could not execute an external or user-defined routine because it crashed, raised an unhandled exception, or lacked the required privileges.
external_routine_invocation_exception (PostgreSQL error 39000) arises when an external function or procedure crashes, throws an unhandled exception, or runs without the needed EXECUTE privilege. Review the routine’s code, dependencies, and permissions, rebuild it, and rerun the call to resolve the error.
PostgreSQL Error 39000
PostgreSQL throws SQLSTATE 39000 (external_routine_invocation_exception) when it cannot complete a call to an external or user-defined routine. The server interrupts execution to protect transaction integrity.
The failure usually originates inside the called function or procedure, not in the SQL that invoked it.
Pinpointing the exact fault is critical, because the surrounding transaction may already be in a failed state.
An unhandled exception in PL/pgSQL, PL/Python, or another trusted language instantly bubbles up and produces SQLSTATE 39000. PostgreSQL cannot continue, so it aborts the statement.
Missing EXECUTE privilege on the routine also triggers the error.
The server blocks the call to prevent unauthorized code execution.
Inspect the server log or psql output for the stack trace following the 39000 code. The trace shows the exact line that failed.
Patch the logic, redeploy the routine, and test with representative data.
If the problem is permissions, grant EXECUTE on the routine to the calling role, or run the function with SECURITY DEFINER and stable ownership.
Calling a PL/Python function that imports a library missing on the server raises 39000. Install the dependency or vendor it inside the database.
Invoking a trigger function that divides by zero will also raise the exception.
Add input validation or SAFE DIVIDE logic to prevent the arithmetic fault.
Write defensive code inside user-defined functions: validate parameters, catch exceptions, and return meaningful error codes rather than letting the server abort.
Apply strict privilege management. Only grant EXECUTE to trusted roles and use ALTER FUNCTION ...
OWNER TO to anchor ownership.
SQLSTATE 42883 (undefined_function) occurs when the routine name cannot be resolved, while 42804 (datatype_mismatch) fires when argument types are wrong. Fix names or cast arguments to prevent those errors.
SQLSTATE 38000 (external_routine_exception) surfaces when the routine exists but fails internally without being invoked by SQL. Review code flow and permissions to remedy both issues.
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Logic errors like divide-by-zero, NULL dereference, or explicit RAISE EXCEPTION statements abort the routine and bubble up as SQLSTATE 39000.
The calling role lacks permission on the function or procedure.
PostgreSQL prevents execution and signals external_routine_invocation_exception.
A PL/Python or C-language function relies on an OS library that the server cannot load, leading to a routine invocation failure.
Binary-compiled C extensions built for an older PostgreSQL version may crash when called, producing SQLSTATE 39000.
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Yes. PostgreSQL marks the current transaction as aborted. You must issue ROLLBACK or start a new transaction before running further commands.
Turn on log_error_verbosity=verbose or use RAISE NOTICE statements. The server log then shows the file, line, and routine frame.
Yes. Mark the function SECURITY DEFINER and keep ownership with a privileged role. Calls run with the owner's rights, bypassing caller privilege gaps.
Galaxys SQL editor surfaces full stack traces inline and tracks function versions. Teams can peer-review routines before deployment, reducing runtime crashes.
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