The invalid_catalog_name error (SQLSTATE 3D000) occurs when a PostgreSQL session references a database that does not exist or is not accessible.
PostgreSQL invalid_catalog_name (SQLSTATE 3D000) appears when the requested database is missing, misspelled, or the user lacks permission. Verify the database name, create it if needed, or grant access to resolve the error.
PostgreSQL invalid_catalog_name
Error 3D000 signals that the session tried to connect to or reference a catalog (database) that the server cannot find.
PostgreSQL stops the operation immediately and returns the message invalid_catalog_name.
The error typically shows up during initial connection via psql, libpq, or GUI tools, but it can also surface in SQL when the current database is dropped mid-session.
Most cases stem from typos in the database name or attempting to connect before the database is created.
Server misconfiguration and insufficient privileges also trigger the condition.
Dropping or renaming the target database while a connection string is hard-coded will raise invalid_catalog_name on the next connection attempt.
First, confirm the database exists: query pg_database or list databases in psql. If absent, create it.
If present, check the spelling in your connection string and verify the user has CONNECT privilege.
When the error occurs inside a session because the database was dropped, reconnect to a valid database and recreate or restore the missing catalog.
CI pipelines often bootstrap a temporary database; forgetting to run createdb leads to 3D000. Add a createdb step or use template0 to clone another database.
Microservices with environment variables may point to the wrong database after a rename.
Update the variables and restart the service to clear stale connections.
Automate database creation in migration scripts, validate environment variables at startup, and monitor pg_database for unexpected drops. Use posture checks in Galaxy’s pre-run hooks to warn developers before running queries against a non-existent catalog.
Error 28000 invalid_authorization_specification occurs when credentials are wrong; fix by updating username or password.
Error 42501 insufficient_privilege appears when CONNECT privilege is missing; grant it with GRANT CONNECT ON DATABASE.
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No. It simply means PostgreSQL cannot locate the catalog by that name or the user is not allowed to see it.
Yes. Wrap connection logic in a try-catch block. On 3D000, issue CREATE DATABASE then reconnect.
Existing connection strings still point to the old name. Update all DSNs, environment variables, and config files.
Galaxy’s connection wizard validates the database name on save and warns users, preventing invalid_catalog_name before queries run.
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