How to List Tables in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL

How do I list all tables in ParadeDB when using PostgreSQL?

The list-tables command shows every table in the connected ParadeDB/PostgreSQL database so you can explore its structure quickly.

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Description

Why should I list tables before writing SQL?

Listing tables reveals what data is available, helps you avoid typos, and speeds up query design—especially in unfamiliar ParadeDB clusters.

How do I list every table in the current schema?

Run the catalog view query below. It returns only base tables in the public schema, which is where most ParadeDB objects live by default.

SELECT table_name FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema = 'public' AND table_type = 'BASE TABLE';

What is the shortest psql meta-command?

Inside psql, type \dt. ParadeDB inherits this command from PostgreSQL, so it instantly lists all tables visible on your search_path.

How can I list tables across multiple schemas?

Add the schema name to the meta-command (\dt analytics.*) or widen the filter in information_schema.tables by omitting table_schema.

How do I exclude system tables?

Filter out schemas that start with pg_ or are named information_schema. The query below keeps only user-created tables.

SELECT table_schema, table_name FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema NOT LIKE 'pg\_%' AND table_schema <> 'information_schema';

Can I show row counts while listing tables?

Join pg_class and pg_namespace for lightweight estimations. Great for spotting large tables before running heavy analytics.

SELECT nspname AS schema, relname AS table, reltuples AS est_rows FROM pg_class c JOIN pg_namespace n ON n.oid = c.relnamespace WHERE relkind = 'r' ORDER BY est_rows DESC;

What are best practices when exploring ParadeDB tables?

Set search_path consciously, keep a schema naming convention, and grant SELECT privileges carefully so team-mates see only what they need.

Why How to List Tables in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL is important

How to List Tables in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Find every user table that stores ecommerce data
SELECT table_name
FROM   information_schema.tables
WHERE  table_schema = 'public'
  AND  table_type   = 'BASE TABLE'
  AND  table_name IN ('customers', 'orders', 'products', 'orderitems');

How to List Tables in ParadeDB in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- Information Schema (portable)
SELECT table_schema, table_name
FROM   information_schema.tables
WHERE  table_type   = 'BASE TABLE'
  AND  table_schema NOT IN ('information_schema', 'pg_catalog');

-- psql meta-command (interactive)
\dt [schema_pattern.]table_pattern

-- pg_catalog for advanced filtering
SELECT n.nspname  AS schema,
       c.relname  AS table,
       c.relkind  AS type,
       c.reltuples AS est_rows
FROM   pg_class c
JOIN   pg_namespace n ON n.oid = c.relnamespace
WHERE  c.relkind = 'r';

Common Mistakes

Using SELECT * FROM pg_tables without filtering. This returns system catalogs and clutters results. Instead add WHERE schemaname NOT LIKE 'pg_%' AND schemaname <> 'information_schema'.
Forgetting search_path settings in psql. If you change search_path and then run \dt you might miss tables in other schemas. Use \dt *.* or specify the schema explicitly.