PostgreSQL raises sql_routine_exception (SQLSTATE 2F000) when a function, procedure, or trigger throws an unhandled error during execution.
sql_routine_exception (SQLSTATE 2F000) happens when a PostgreSQL function, procedure, or trigger raises an error that is not caught inside the routine. Review the failing routine, add proper EXCEPTION handling, and validate all referenced objects and inputs to resolve the problem.
sql_routine_exception
PostgreSQL throws sql_routine_exception (SQLSTATE 2F000) when a function, procedure, or trigger hits a runtime problem that is not caught by an EXCEPTION block. The backend stops the routine and propagates the error to the caller.
The error surfaces in application logs or psql after calling the routine, often without a detailed hint.
Rapid diagnosis is vital because uncaught errors break transactions, roll back changes, and can cascade into application outages.
The root cause is always an unhandled condition inside PL/pgSQL, SQL, or C-language routines. Typical triggers include missing tables, null values, division by zero, or explicit RAISE EXCEPTION commands without a surrounding handler.
Dependency drift is common.
When a column or table used in a routine is renamed, the next call fails and bubbles up as sql_routine_exception.
Start by reproducing the error with the same input arguments. Enable server_min_messages = DEBUG1 or use RAISE NOTICE statements to pinpoint the failing line. Wrap risky statements in an EXCEPTION block to capture errors and return a controlled result instead of aborting.
After adding defensive code, redeploy the routine with CREATE OR REPLACE.
Rerun unit tests or regression queries to confirm the exception no longer appears.
If the routine divides by a parameter, add a check for zero and return NULL when the divisor is zero.
When the error stems from a missing object, update the routine to reference the correct name or add the required table before calling it again.
For data-type mismatches, cast inputs explicitly or modify the argument list to accept the correct type.
Always include a generic EXCEPTION WHEN OTHERS handler in production routines. Validate inputs at the top of the function. Use pgTAP or plpgsql_check to lint your code.
Continuous integration in Galaxy lets you version routines, run tests, and catch breaking changes before deployment.
Errors such as division_by_zero (22012), undefined_table (42P01), and raise_exception (P0001) can also bubble up during routine execution. Their fixes mirror those for sql_routine_exception: validate data, handle exceptions, and keep dependencies in sync.
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A runtime error occurs but no EXCEPTION block is present, so PostgreSQL escalates it as sql_routine_exception.
Functions that assume NOT NULL inputs fail when called with NULL, triggering an unhandled exception.
Renamed or dropped tables, columns, or types referenced inside the routine cause execution to fail instantly.
Division by zero, overflow, or bad type casts inside the routine raise errors that bubble up as sql_routine_exception.
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Use RAISE NOTICE statements or install the plpgsql_check extension to get stack traces with line numbers.
You can catch it inside the routine with EXCEPTION WHEN OTHERS THEN ..., but ignoring errors can hide data issues. Prefer logging and controlled returns.
Yes. An uncaught sql_routine_exception aborts the current transaction block unless handled by a savepoint.
Galaxy’s version control, AI copilot, and linting integrations catch missing dependencies and suggest EXCEPTION blocks before you deploy routines.
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