PostgreSQL raises zero_length_character_string (SQLSTATE 2200F) when an empty string is inserted into a column that disallows it, such as NOT NULL or CHECK constraints.
zero_length_character_string occurs in PostgreSQL when you supply '' (an empty string) to a column that forbids it via NOT NULL or a length constraint. Fix it by inserting a valid value, using NULL instead, or updating the column definition to allow empty strings.
zero_length_character_string
PostgreSQL throws SQLSTATE 2200F - zero_length_character_string when a statement attempts to store an empty string ('') in a context where it is prohibited.
The error commonly appears during INSERT or UPDATE operations on columns defined as NOT NULL, constrained by a CHECK that excludes empty strings, or cast to a type that forbids zero-length text.
The engine stops execution immediately to preserve data integrity whenever the rule is violated. Ignoring it leaves tables with inconsistent or non-conforming values, causing downstream queries, reports, and applications to misbehave.
Addressing the failure quickly keeps your data model reliable and frees automated jobs from constant retry loops.
Attempting to insert '' into a NOT NULL text column triggers the exception.
CHECK constraints such as CHECK (char_length(col) > 0) also reject empty strings, leading to the same SQLSTATE.
Domain types built on VARCHAR or TEXT that ban zero-length values propagate the condition.
Functions that cast '' to an integer, date, or UUID may raise 2200F during implicit conversions.
Validate input in application code and replace '' with NULL when the absence of data is intended.
Provide a default string like 'N/A' or a single space if business logic requires a placeholder.
Alter the table definition to allow empty strings only when the model genuinely permits them.
Use PostgreSQL CHECK constraints to convert offending rows before re-running the failing statement.
Bulk CSV imports often map missing fields to '' instead of NULL. Use the NULL '' clause in COPY to treat empty fields as NULL and bypass the error.
ETL pipelines that trim strings may reduce ' ' to ''. Add COALESCE(NULLIF(col, ''), 'unknown') in staging queries to guarantee non-empty output.
JSONB extractions can yield ''. Wrap the expression with NULLIF(result::text, '') to prevent violation.
Apply application-level validation that converts empty user input to NULL.
Use domain types with NOT NULL and CHECK (value <> '') to fail fast during development.
Enable extended query logging in PostgreSQL to detect patterns that generate '' early.
Automate regression tests with Galaxy to run sample inserts and catch the exception before production deployment.
SQLSTATE 23502 not_null_violation occurs when NULL is inserted into a NOT NULL column. Supply a value or drop NOT NULL.
SQLSTATE 22001 string_data_right_truncation happens when data exceeds column length. Resize the column or trim input.
SQLSTATE 22P02 invalid_text_representation arises when casting text to another type fails. Validate format before casting.
Yes. Define columns without NOT NULL or CHECK clauses, or drop those constraints with ALTER TABLE.
'' is a valid, zero-length value, while NULL represents an unknown or missing value. Constraints treat them separately.
Use the NULL '' option so PostgreSQL converts empty CSV fields to NULL values.
Galaxy's editor highlights constraint violations during query previews and its AI copilot suggests COALESCE and NULLIF patterns to avoid 2200F before you run a statement.
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