TRIM, LTRIM, or RTRIM failed because the supplied arguments are invalid or incompatible.
PostgreSQL trim_error (SQLSTATE 22027) is thrown when a TRIM-family function receives invalid arguments, typically non-string input or an illegal trim character list. Cast inputs to a compatible text type and ensure the trim specification is a valid single-character string to resolve the issue.
PostgreSQL Error 22027 (trim_error)
PostgreSQL raises SQLSTATE 22027 with condition name trim_error when the TRIM, LTRIM, RTRIM, or BTRIM function receives an argument it cannot legally process. The problem surfaces at runtime, not during parsing.<\/p>
The error halts the query, so downstream statements do not execute.
Fixing it quickly prevents broken ETL pipelines, failed reports, and blocked application logic.<\/p>
trim_error emerges when the characters argument is an empty string, longer than one character in bit context, or encodes multibyte code points that do not exist in the input string.
Mismatched data types such as numeric, bytea, or JSON passed to TRIM also trigger 22027.<\/p>
Encoding mismatches between client and server can corrupt multibyte input, leading PostgreSQL to classify the operation as an invalid trim attempt.<\/p>
First verify both operands are text or bit strings. Cast them explicitly if needed. Supply a one-character trim set for bit strings and a valid non-null string for character data.
Re-run the statement to confirm successful trimming.<\/p>
Where multibyte issues arise, validate client_encoding and server_encoding, then convert data with CONVERT()<\/code> or ENCODE()<\/code> to a consistent charset before trimming.<\/p>
Common Scenarios and Solutions<\/h3>Data-loading scripts often call BTRIM(bitcol, '10')<\/code>, which fails because the trim set has two bits; correct call is BTRIM(bitcol, '1')<\/code>. Warehouse jobs that cast JSON to text after trimming crash; swap the order: cast first, then trim.<\/p>
In ETL tools, parameter placeholders might be NULL at runtime.
Use COALESCE(param, '')<\/code> before passing to TRIM to avert 22027.<\/p>
Best Practices to Avoid This Error<\/h3>Always cast dynamic input to text<\/code> before trimming. Validate trim sets with char_length()<\/code> and block anything over one character for bit strings.
Include regression tests that run TRIM on representative multibyte data.<\/p>
Galaxy’s SQL editor highlights datatype mismatches and lets you test parameterized TRIM calls in a sandbox, lowering the chance of shipping faulty code.<\/p>
Related Errors and Solutions<\/h3>22011 substring_error<\/strong> - invalid substring length. Occurs when start or length is negative. Cast to integer and validate boundaries.<\/p>
2200G most_specific_type_mismatch<\/strong> - arises on invalid casts in expression chains. Cast explicitly or adjust column types.<\/p>.
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