PostgreSQL raises error 22033 when a SQL/JSON path contains a non-integer or otherwise illegal array subscript.
invalid_sql_json_subscript occurs when a SQL/JSON path in PostgreSQL contains a non-numeric or out-of-range array index. Use a valid integer subscript or cast the value to integer to resolve the error.
invalid_sql_json_subscript
PostgreSQL returns SQLSTATE 22033 when it parses a SQL/JSON path expression and finds an illegal subscript inside square brackets. The engine expects a signed integer, “*”, or “last” keyword. Any other token breaks parsing and triggers the error.
Because JSON data is accessed positionally, an invalid subscript stops query execution immediately, protecting the engine from undefined behavior.
Fixing the path or casting the index resolves the issue.
Error 22033 happens at compile time for JSON path functions such as jsonb_path_query(), jsonb_path_exists(), json_query(), or SELECT ... JSON path clauses. The error prevents the statement from running, so no data is altered.
Leaving an invalid path in application code breaks API responses, ETL jobs, and reports that rely on JSON extraction.
Swift correction restores data pipelines and avoids cascading failures in dependent services.
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Error code 22033 appears in PostgreSQL 15 and newer where SQL/JSON functions are fully supported. Older versions use generic jsonpath_syntax_error messages.
No. Even when the index is within integer range, the parser rejects non-integer tokens before evaluating bounds. Always supply a clean integer.
Casting resolves type mismatches but not logical issues like negative or oversize indexes. Validate the value before building the path.
Galaxy’s AI copilot inspects SQL/JSON paths, auto-corrects invalid subscripts, and warns during linting so you deploy error-free code.
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