The error arises when PostgreSQL encounters a SQL command, such as COMMIT or ROLLBACK, that is disallowed in the current execution context (for example, inside a function or a multi-statement query).
PostgreSQL Error 2F003 (prohibited_sql_statement_attempted) occurs when a transaction-control statement is executed where it is not allowed, commonly inside a function or DO block. Remove or relocate the offending COMMIT/ROLLBACK, or switch to PERFORM/RETURN QUERY if needed to resolve the issue.
PostgreSQL Error 2F003 (prohibited_sql_statement_attempted)
PostgreSQL raises error 2F003 when it detects a SQL statement that the current execution context forbids. Typical examples are COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SAVEPOINT, or SET TRANSACTION issued inside a function, trigger, or multi-statement query executed in a single transaction block.
The database blocks these commands to protect transactional integrity.
Attempting them in an atomic context could break consistency, so PostgreSQL aborts the statement and surfaces the 2F003 error instead of silently ignoring it.
Issuing COMMIT or ROLLBACK inside a PL/pgSQL function or DO block triggers 2F003 because functions run in the caller’s transaction scope and cannot end it prematurely.
Creating or releasing savepoints in a security-definer function, event trigger, or implicit transaction also causes the error, as these contexts are treated as atomic.
Running ALTER SYSTEM or SET TRANSACTION ISOLATION LEVEL within a procedure that is called by CALL but wrapped in BEGIN/END can surface the same condition.
Locate the prohibited statement and either remove it or move it outside the atomic context.
Replace COMMIT with RETURN in functions, or convert the code to a stored procedure (CREATE PROCEDURE) that can legally perform transaction control.
Refactor multi-step logic so the caller manages the transaction. Encapsulate data changes in a procedure, then call COMMIT from application code or psql after the CALL.
PL/pgSQL function with COMMIT: Strip the COMMIT and let the application commit after calling the function.
Trigger function saving its own savepoint: Remove SAVEPOINT commands.
Use exception blocks to handle errors without manual savepoints.
Migration script inside psql \i file: Split the file so transaction-control statements are executed at top level, not inside DO $$ ... $$ blocks.
Keep transaction control at the application or procedure level, not inside functions. Use CREATE PROCEDURE when you need COMMIT/ROLLBACK mid-logic.
Enable plpgsql_check or a similar static analyzer in Galaxy to flag prohibited statements before deployment.
Adopt code reviews that verify functions contain no transaction commands.
SQLSTATE 2F002 (modifying_sql_data_not_permitted): Raised when a read-only function tries to modify data. Set VOLATILE or change the function security context.
SQLSTATE 2F004 (reading_sql_data_not_permitted): Appears when a function declared NO SQL attempts to read data. Update the function’s SQL classification.
SQLSTATE 25001 (active_sql_transaction): Occurs when you attempt COMMIT/ROLLBACK while already inside an implicit transaction. End the outer transaction first.
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The server blocked a transaction-control statement that is not allowed in the current context, protecting atomic execution.
No. Functions run inside their caller’s transaction. Use a stored procedure if you must commit mid-way.
Enable client_min_messages = DEBUG in psql or rely on Galaxy’s query history to pinpoint the exact line.
Galaxy’s static analysis warns when COMMIT, ROLLBACK, or SAVEPOINT appear inside functions, helping you fix issues before execution.
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