Raised when a foreign data wrapper encounters an unsupported or mismatched column data type.
fdw_invalid_data_type error indicates that a PostgreSQL foreign data wrapper cannot map an unsupported column type between local and remote tables. Redefine the column with a compatible type or create an explicit cast to resolve the mismatch.
fdw_invalid_data_type Error
fdw_invalid_data_type (SQLSTATE HV004) is a PostgreSQL foreign data wrapper error that appears when a column on a foreign table uses a data type that the wrapper cannot map to the remote server.
The server halts the query or DDL statement because it cannot safely translate the value between instances.
The error can surface during CREATE FOREIGN TABLE, ALTER FOREIGN TABLE, IMPORT FOREIGN SCHEMA, or at query time if a column was later cast to an unsupported type.
Resolving it quickly is critical because the mismatch blocks data federation, stops ETL pipelines, and breaks applications that expect cross-database joins.
A column declared with a type that the selected foreign data wrapper does not recognize immediately triggers the fault.
Common examples include jsonb, hstore, or PostGIS geometry when the remote server lacks identical OIDs or extensions.
An implicit cast that relies on a user-defined type can also fail because the foreign server cannot serialize the value. Version mismatches between local and remote PostgreSQL instances may widen the supported type gap and surface the error.
First confirm the offending column with EXPLAIN or by reading the full server log entry.
Replace the type with a wrapper-supported alternative such as text or numeric when functionally acceptable. Alternatively, install matching extensions on both servers so the type exists on each side.
If changing schema is not possible, create a domain or view that casts the unsupported column to a safe type and expose that view through the foreign table. Explicit casts eliminate ambiguity and satisfy the wrapper’s type mapping.
During IMPORT FOREIGN SCHEMA, jsonb columns often fail.
Use the IMPORT ... LIMIT TO clause to skip failing tables, then create them manually with json instead of jsonb.
For analytics workloads pulling spatial data, install postgis_extension on both databases and reload the foreign table definition. Matching OIDs allow geometry to pass validation.
Standardize on a minimal, wrapper-supported type set for all federated tables.
Document which extensions are enabled on every environment to keep schemas portable.
Automate regression tests that run basic SELECT queries against all foreign tables in staging. Fail deployment if fdw_invalid_data_type is raised, catching issues before production.
fdw_invalid_column_name (HV005) arises when column names differ between local and remote tables. Align naming or add column mappings to resolve.
fdw_function_sequence_error (HV010) appears when cursor operations are invoked out of order. Revisit FETCH and MOVE logic to correct sequencing.
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No. PostgreSQL will block the statement until the unsupported type is addressed. Workarounds such as views or casts must be applied.
Only if the newer version introduces support for the specific data type. Always read release notes before relying on an upgrade.
Check the wrapper documentation or query pg_trigger and pg_type tables on both servers to compare OIDs.
Yes. Galaxy’s type-aware autocomplete flags unsupported columns while you write CREATE FOREIGN TABLE, letting you adjust types before running the statement.
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