invalid_name (SQLSTATE 42602) is raised when an identifier, such as a table, column, or constraint name, violates PostgreSQL's naming rules.
PostgreSQL Error 42602 (invalid_name) occurs when an identifier breaks naming rules, like starting with a digit or including spaces. Use a legal name or wrap it in double quotes, then rerun the statement to fix the error.
PostgreSQL Error 42602
Error 42602, condition name invalid_name, appears when PostgreSQL parses an identifier that breaks naming rules. The parser stops before finishing the statement and returns a syntax error tagged with SQLSTATE 42602.
It often surfaces during CREATE, ALTER, or SELECT statements that reference poorly-formed table, column, constraint, or database names.
Fixing it quickly is critical because no SQL after the offending token is executed.
Identifiers starting with a digit, containing spaces, or including special characters such as !, #, or - trigger the invalid_name error. PostgreSQL expects letters, digits, or underscores, beginning with a letter or underscore.
Names that exceed the 63-byte identifier length limit also fail.
PostgreSQL silently truncates long names in most cases, but certain commands still raise 42602 when the truncated form collides with an existing object.
First, locate the bad identifier in the error context. Rename it to follow PostgreSQL rules: start with a letter or underscore, use only letters, digits, and underscores, and keep the length under 63 bytes.
If you must keep unusual characters for legacy reasons, wrap the identifier in double quotes: "Order Total".
Quoted identifiers are case-sensitive and allow spaces and symbols, but use them sparingly to avoid future confusion.
CREATE TABLE 1sales results in 42602 because the name starts with a digit. Solution: CREATE TABLE sales1 (...).
ALTER TABLE orders RENAME COLUMN order-total TO order_total fails due to the dash. Use order_total or quote: "order-total".
A generated constraint name longer than 63 bytes may collide after truncation.
Supply an explicit, shorter constraint name to avoid the clash.
Adopt a strict naming convention: lowercase letters, underscores, no spaces. Enforce it through code review and linters integrated in Galaxy’s SQL editor to catch violations before they reach production.
Automate schema changes with migration tools that validate identifiers.
Galaxy’s AI copilot highlights illegal names in real time, reducing the chance of 42602 in CI pipelines.
Error 42703 (undefined_column) occurs when the identifier is spelled correctly but does not exist. Verify object existence.
Error 42P01 (undefined_table) surfaces if a table name is valid yet missing. Double-check schema qualification.
Error 42710 (duplicate_object) can appear after fixing 42602 if the corrected name clashes with an existing object. Use UNIQUE names or drop duplicates.
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Yes, but quoted identifiers become case sensitive and harder to type. Prefer renaming unless legacy systems require the exact string.
63 bytes. Longer names are truncated during storage, which can cause collisions and 42602 in some contexts.
No. The limit is hard-coded. Use short, meaningful names instead.
Galaxy’s AI copilot flags illegal names as you type and suggests valid alternatives, preventing invalid_name errors before execution.
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