PREPARE failed because the supplied parameter list does not match the placeholders in the query.
invalid_prepared_statement_definition occurs when a PostgreSQL PREPARE statement has mismatched or undefined parameter types. Ensure the number and data types in the type list exactly match each placeholder or omit the list entirely, then rerun PREPARE.
invalid_prepared_statement_definition
invalid_prepared_statement_definition (SQLSTATE 42P14) is thrown when a PREPARE command defines a parameter type list that PostgreSQL cannot reconcile with the positional placeholders ($1, $2 ...) inside the prepared query.
The mismatch can be a different count, incompatible data types, or placeholders omitted from the query.
Because prepared statements are stored server side, PostgreSQL refuses to register an invalid definition to avoid runtime crashes.
Parameter count mismatch - PREPARE lists three data types but the query only references two placeholders.
Type conflict - PREPARE assigns text but the placeholder is used where integer is required.
Untyped parameters - Leaving the type list empty while the query contains placeholders that PostgreSQL cannot infer automatically.
Reusing a statement name with an incompatible definition after DEALLOCATE fails to run.
Verify the number of placeholders in the query and ensure it matches the list of data types.
Cast placeholders or adjust column comparisons so that each parameter type is compatible with the target column.
Omit the type list entirely if PostgreSQL can infer every parameter type from context.
DEALLOCATE the broken statement before recreating it to avoid name conflicts.
Accidental extra type in automation scripts - Remove the stray type or add the missing placeholder.
Java or Python code passes fewer bind variables than declared - Align the bind array with the PREPARE list.
Migrated queries where a column changed data type - Update the parameter type accordingly.
Stored procedures generating dynamic SQL forget to update the parameter list - regenerate the PREPARE statement.
Always count placeholders before writing the type list.
Use pg_stat_prepared_statements or \dE+ in psql to audit existing prepared statements.
Include automated tests that call PREPARE to catch mismatches in CI.
When using Galaxy, the editor highlights placeholder counts and suggests the correct type list, preventing commit of invalid definitions.
duplicate_prepared_statement (42P05) - Occurs when a statement name already exists.
DEALLOCATE or use a new name.
invalid_parameter_value (22023) - Raised when a supplied parameter value cannot be cast to the declared type. Ensure proper casting.
wrong_object_type (42809) - Appears if EXECUTE targets a non statement object. Verify the statement name.
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The number of data types in the PREPARE type list does not equal the number of $n placeholders in the query.
A declared type conflicts with the context where the placeholder is used, such as text compared to an integer column.
The type list is omitted and PostgreSQL cannot infer a type for one or more placeholders.
Attempting to recreate an existing statement with a different signature without DEALLOCATE first triggers this validation error.
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No. If PostgreSQL can infer every placeholder type from the query context you may omit the list.
No. You must DEALLOCATE then issue a new PREPARE with the updated definition.
Run SELECT * FROM pg_prepared_statements or in psql use \dE to view server side prepared statements.
Galaxy counts placeholders, autocompletes type lists, and warns on mismatches before you run PREPARE, preventing the error early in development.
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