The database engine cannot find a function with the given name and argument signature, so the statement fails at runtime.
Function does not exist occurs when PostgreSQL can’t match your call to any defined function with the same name and argument types. Verify the function name, schema, and argument data types, or create the missing function to resolve the error.
ERROR: function my_func(integer, text) does not exist (SQLSTATE 42883)
The database searched its system catalog and found no function named my_func that accepts the supplied argument data types. The planner aborts execution and returns SQLSTATE 42883.
The error is raised during statement parsing or execution time, depending on when the call is validated. It is database-agnostic but most common in PostgreSQL, Redshift, and Snowflake.
Calling a function that was never created, dropped, or renamed triggers the message instantly.
Mismatched argument data types also count as a missing function because PostgreSQL overloads functions by signature.
Another frequent trigger is forgetting to qualify the function with its schema when the search_path does not include it. Permissions can hide functions from the current role, mimicking non-existence.
First, double-check spelling and argument order. Use \df my_func in psql to list available signatures.
If none appear, create or restore the function.
If a different schema owns the routine, call it fully qualified (SELECT analytics.my_func(1,'x');) or adjust search_path. When data types disagree, add an explicit cast or overload a new version.
Renamed tables break ROWTYPE dependencies and invalidate functions; recreating them repairs the reference. After a restore, missing extensions like uuid-ossp cause built-in helper functions to vanish; CREATE EXTENSION fixes it.
Developers on different branches may deploy code expecting functions that never reached production.
Running schema-diff migrations prevents this mismatch.
Version-control database migrations so every environment has identical functions. Prefer fully qualified names in application code or set a stable search_path on connection.
Implement Continuous Integration checks using pg_prove or similar to compile all functions after each change. Galaxy's AI Copilot surfaces missing objects during query authoring, preventing runtime surprises.
SQLSTATE 42883 also appears as operator does not exist when an operator can2t be resolved.
invalid input syntax arises when casting fails, often after forcing types to match a nonexistent overload.
permission denied for function differs because the function exists but the role cannot execute it; granting EXECUTE resolves that case.
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No. It can also mean the function exists but with different argument types or in another schema.
Casting works only when a function with the casted signature exists. Otherwise you must create or deploy the routine.
Extensions or separate migration files may not have been restored, removing required functions.
Yes. Galaxy's AI copilot validates function names and suggests corrections while you type, catching issues before execution.
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