How to CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL

Galaxy Glossary

What does CURRENT_USER() do in Snowflake?

CURRENT_USER() returns the name of the role that is executing the current Snowflake session.

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Description

Example H2

Example H3

What does CURRENT_USER() return?

CURRENT_USER() returns the name of the role currently authenticated in the Snowflake session. This is useful for auditing, row-level security, and conditional logic that depends on the executing user.

How do I call CURRENT_USER() in a query?

Call it like any scalar function: SELECT CURRENT_USER(); You can also alias or combine it with other columns to capture context alongside business data.

What is the full syntax?

Syntax is straightforward: CURRENT_USER(); It has no parameters, but Snowflake allows optional parentheses. Use it alone or in larger statements.

Example: show the user with daily order totals

```sqlSELECT CURRENT_USER() AS running_user, order_date AS day, SUM(total_amount) AS daily_salesFROM OrdersGROUP BY order_date;```

Where is CURRENT_USER() most helpful?

1) Auditing query logs to see who ran which statements. 2) Adding columns to staging tables that record the loader’s role. 3) Implementing row-level policies that filter rows based on the executing user.

Best practices for CURRENT_USER()

Always CAST the return value explicitly when concatenating with strings. Store it in VARCHAR columns sized to at least 256 characters to handle long role names. Avoid using CURRENT_USER() inside views that should be cached globally.

Common mistakes and fixes

Mixing CURRENT_USER() with SESSION_USER() – SESSION_USER() is Snowflake-specific and may differ after role changes. Rely on CURRENT_USER() for real-time identity.
Forgetting parentheses – Although optional, adding () keeps code style consistent and prevents parser confusion with identifiers.

Need to switch roles before calling?

Use `USE ROLE analyst;` then run `SELECT CURRENT_USER();` to see the change. Role changes are session-level and immediately affect the function’s output.

Performance impact?

CURRENT_USER() is metadata only; it has negligible execution cost even in large joins. Use it freely in SELECT lists without worrying about query plans.

Why How to CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL is important

How to CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Tag inserted rows with loader identity
INSERT INTO Orders (id, customer_id, order_date, total_amount, loaded_by)
SELECT o.id, o.customer_id, o.order_date, o.total_amount, CURRENT_USER()
FROM   staging_orders AS o;

How to CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL Syntax


CURRENT_USER()
-- Returns the current authenticated role name

-- Ecommerce context example
SELECT CURRENT_USER() AS running_user,
       c.id,
       c.email
FROM   Customers AS c
WHERE  c.created_at > CURRENT_DATE - INTERVAL '30 days';

Common Mistakes

Using SESSION_USER() instead of CURRENT_USER(): SESSION_USER() may return a different value after a role switch. Use CURRENT_USER() for the active role.
Embedding CURRENT_USER() in a view meant for caching: Cached views can hide the real-time user; instead, call the function in the consuming query.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CURRENT_USER() the same as CURRENT_ROLE()?

No. CURRENT_USER() returns the role name executing the session, while CURRENT_ROLE() returns the role currently in use, which may differ after a role change.