How to Fix Common ParadeDB Errors in PostgreSQL

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How do I fix common ParadeDB errors in PostgreSQL?

Step-by-step solutions for the most frequent ParadeDB installation, indexing, and query errors in PostgreSQL.

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Why does `CREATE EXTENSION paradedb` fail?

PostgreSQL cannot find the ParadeDB control file when the extension isn’t installed in $PGSHARE/extension. Install via CREATE EXTENSION only after copying the compiled paradedb.control, SQL, and shared-library files into the server’s extension and library paths, then reload.

How to resolve “paradedb: unsupported PostgreSQL version”?

ParadeDB requires PostgreSQL 15+. Upgrade your cluster or compile ParadeDB against the exact server headers. Verify with SHOW server_version; before running CREATE EXTENSION.

What causes “function paradedb_vector_ops… does not exist”?

The error appears when you reference the operator class before loading the extension. Run CREATE EXTENSION paradedb; in the target schema first, then recreate the index.

How to fix “out of shared memory” during index build?

ParadeDB’s ANN indexes may need more maintenance_work_mem. Increase it temporarily (e.g., SET maintenance_work_mem = '2GB';) before creating the index to prevent memory exhaustion.

Best practice: use schema-qualified extension

Keep ParadeDB objects isolated by installing in a dedicated schema: CREATE EXTENSION paradedb SCHEMA extensions;. Reference indexes with the same schema to avoid name clashes.

Best practice: monitor disk usage

ANN indexes grow quickly on large vectors. Regularly check pg_relation_size('products_name_ann_idx') and run REINDEX during low-traffic windows.

Why How to Fix Common ParadeDB Errors in PostgreSQL is important

How to Fix Common ParadeDB Errors in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- 1. Install ParadeDB in a separate schema
CREATE SCHEMA extensions;
CREATE EXTENSION paradedb SCHEMA extensions;

-- 2. Add an "embedding" column to products for vector search
ALTER TABLE Products ADD COLUMN embedding vector(384);

-- 3. Build an ANN index with ParadeDB
CREATE INDEX products_embedding_ann_idx
ON Products
USING paradedb_ann (embedding)
WITH (distance = 'cosine', ef_search = 80, ef_construction = 300, m = 16);

-- 4. Query for the 5 most similar products to :vector_param
SELECT id, name, price
FROM Products
ORDER BY embedding <=> :vector_param
LIMIT 5;

How to Fix Common ParadeDB Errors in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- Install ParadeDB
CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS paradedb [SCHEMA schema_name];

-- Upgrade
ALTER EXTENSION paradedb UPDATE TO 'version';

-- Create ANN index on a vector column
CREATE INDEX index_name
ON table_name
USING paradedb_ann (vector_column)
WITH (distance = 'cosine', ef_search = 100, ef_construction = 400, m = 16);

-- Drop extension
DROP EXTENSION paradedb [CASCADE];

Common Mistakes

Ignoring server version requirements. ParadeDB fails on PostgreSQL 14 or earlier. Always check your cluster’s version before compiling or installing.
Creating ANN indexes before loading the extension. This triggers “operator class does not exist.” Run <code>CREATE EXTENSION paradedb;</code> first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is ParadeDB production-ready?

Yes, but stick to PostgreSQL 15+ and monitor index sizes to avoid unexpected storage spikes.

Can I install ParadeDB without superuser?

You need superuser or an ALTER SYSTEM role to copy the shared library and run CREATE EXTENSION. Use a controlled staging environment.

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