PostgreSQL warns that NULL rows were ignored inside an aggregate function such as COUNT or AVG.
null_value_eliminated_in_set_function appears when PostgreSQL drops NULL rows inside an aggregate like AVG(col). The warning is harmless but flags possible data-quality gaps. Fix by wrapping the column in COALESCE, using FILTER clauses, or switching to COUNT(*).
null_value_eliminated_in_set_function
PostgreSQL issues the warning when an aggregate function ignores NULL rows. The server informs you that the final result excludes those NULLs, which could distort calculations if you expected them to participate.
The message is classified as a WARNING, not an ERROR, so the query still finishes.
The alert helps developers detect missing data early.
Worry when the presence of NULLs changes business logic. For example, AVG(price) silently skips NULL prices, inflating the average. Detecting and handling these NULLs ensures metric accuracy.
In reporting pipelines, unhandled NULLs can cascade into dashboards. Fixing them at query time prevents misleading KPIs.
Aggregates such as AVG, SUM, COUNT(col), MIN, and MAX all disregard NULL values.
When at least one ignored row appears, PostgreSQL raises the notice.
Using DISTINCT aggregates, window functions, or GROUP BY with nullable columns also triggers the warning if NULLs exist.
Replace the aggregate input with COALESCE to substitute a default value. Alternatively, add a FILTER clause to include or exclude NULLs intentionally.
If counting rows, swap COUNT(col) for COUNT(*).
You can suppress the warning session-wide with SET client_min_messages TO error, but addressing the data issue is safer.
Analytics query inflates revenue average - wrap amount in COALESCE(amount,0) before AVG.
COUNT(user_id) under-counts sign-ups - change to COUNT(*) or COUNT(user_id) FILTER (WHERE user_id IS NOT NULL).
Store mandatory fields with NOT NULL constraints.
Validate incoming data before insertion.
Use explicit NULL handling in every aggregate: COALESCE, FILTER, or CASE expressions. Review warnings in CI pipelines.
division_by_zero: occurs when denominator is zero - wrap expression with NULLIF.
numeric_value_out_of_range: arises on overflow - cast to larger type.
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No. It is a WARNING. PostgreSQL completes the query and returns data.
Run SET client_min_messages TO error; in the session. Re-enable later with SET client_min_messages TO warning;
Yes when the replacement value suits your business logic. Choose 0, blank string, or another sentinel carefully.
Galaxy’s AI copilot scans aggregates, flags nullable columns, and autocompletes COALESCE or FILTER clauses, reducing runtime warnings.
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