PostgreSQL raises error 2200C when a backslash or other escape sequence appears in a plain string literal while standard_conforming_strings is on or when an illegal escape is used inside an E'' string.
PostgreSQL invalid_use_of_escape_character appears when a backslash escape is used where it is not allowed, usually after enabling standard_conforming_strings. Replace the literal with E'' syntax, remove the backslash, or set standard_conforming_strings to off to resolve the error.
PostgreSQL Error 2200C
Error 2200C occurs when PostgreSQL encounters a backslash escape sequence that is not permitted in the current string literal context. The parser stops and emits the invalid_use_of_escape_character condition.
The error usually appears after PostgreSQL 9.1 where standard_conforming_strings defaults to on, disallowing backslash escapes inside normal single-quoted strings.
It also triggers if an unrecognized escape is included in an E'' constant.
A plain single-quoted string like 'C:\temp' contains a backslash that PostgreSQL treats as data, not an escape. When the server detects an attempted escape, it raises error 2200C.
The same happens for illegal sequences such as "\y" inside an E'' string.
Changing the server parameter standard_conforming_strings, using incorrect casting, or copy-pasting SQL from systems that allow C-style escapes often introduces the issue.
Use E'' to tell PostgreSQL to interpret backslashes: E'C:\\temp'. Double every backslash inside the E'' literal. Alternatively remove the backslash when you only need the literal character, or switch standard_conforming_strings to off for that session.
Always review client libraries that auto-escape strings.
Parameterized queries avoid manual quoting completely and eliminate the error.
Bulk COPY commands with hard-coded paths often fail. Prefix the path with E'' or pass it as a parameter. JSON construction that embeds "\n" can error; instead call to_json or use $$ quoting.
Migrations generated for other databases can include backslash escapes.
Search-replace ' \\n' with chr(10) or use correct E'' constants before running the script in PostgreSQL.
Always use parameterized queries or the psql \copy meta-command to avoid manual escaping.
Enable client-side linting that flags unescaped backslashes in SQL files.
Adopt E'' syntax consistently for any string that truly needs backslash escapes and keep standard_conforming_strings at its default on setting for safety.
Error 42601 syntax_error can appear if a stray backslash truncates the statement. Error 22P02 invalid_text_representation shows up when casting fails after a wrong escape. The fixes mirror those for 2200C: use correct string syntax or parameters.
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Yes. It re-enables legacy escape processing, which can mask other bugs. Prefer E'' literals or parameters.
PostgreSQL supports only recognized C-style escapes such as n, t, r, b, f, and backslash. Any other letter is illegal.
You can set standard_conforming_strings = off in postgresql.conf, but this is discouraged. Update code instead.
Galaxy suggests E'' syntax during autocomplete and highlights illegal backslashes, reducing the chance of committing faulty SQL.
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