How to use CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL

Galaxy Glossary

How do I get the current user in PostgreSQL?

CURRENT_USER returns the name of the database role executing the statement.

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Description

Example H2

Example H3

What is CURRENT_USER used for in PostgreSQL?

CURRENT_USER is a session-level function that returns the name of the role currently executing the SQL statement. It is handy for auditing, row-level security, and conditional logic based on privileges.

How do I retrieve the current user?

Run SELECT CURRENT_USER;. PostgreSQL (and Amazon Redshift) return the role name as a text value that you can embed in larger queries or functions.

What is the exact syntax of CURRENT_USER?

CURRENT_USER is used as a zero-argument function or keyword in any SQL expression context:

-- Stand-alone call SELECT CURRENT_USER; -- In a SELECT list SELECT id, name, CURRENT_USER AS executed_by FROM Customers; -- In a WHERE clause SELECT * FROM Orders WHERE created_by = CURRENT_USER;

Can I combine CURRENT_USER with ecommerce tables?

Yes. Tie user context to business data by filtering, auditing, or enforcing visibility rules. For example, only show orders entered by the logged-in warehouse role.

Example: audit order inserts

Insert a new order while recording who executed it:

INSERT INTO Orders (customer_id, order_date, total_amount, created_by) VALUES (42, CURRENT_DATE, 199.99, CURRENT_USER);

Best practices for CURRENT_USER

Store it in audit columns (created_by, updated_by) via triggers. Combine with SET ROLE for test impersonation. Use row-level security to automatically filter rows to CURRENT_USER.

Common mistakes and fixes

Using CURRENT_USER instead of SESSION_USER after SET ROLE

CURRENT_USER reflects the active role, not the originally authenticated one. Use SESSION_USER if you need the login role.

Caching CURRENT_USER in long-running functions

CURRENT_USER is evaluated once per statement. Re-evaluate inside loops or dynamic SQL to avoid stale values.

FAQs

Does CURRENT_USER work in Amazon Redshift?

Yes. Redshift inherits the PostgreSQL behavior, so SELECT CURRENT_USER; returns the active database user.

Can I cast CURRENT_USER?

CURRENT_USER returns name type, automatically castable to text; explicit casts are rarely needed but supported (CURRENT_USER::text).

Is CURRENT_USER affected by SET search_path?

No. search_path changes schema resolution only; it has no impact on the value of CURRENT_USER.

Why How to use CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL is important

How to use CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Show all products updated by the current session user
SELECT p.id,
       p.name,
       p.price,
       p.stock,
       CURRENT_USER   AS queried_by
FROM Products p
JOIN OrderItems oi ON oi.product_id = p.id
JOIN Orders o       ON o.id = oi.order_id
WHERE o.created_by = CURRENT_USER;

How to use CURRENT_USER in PostgreSQL Syntax


Syntax:
SELECT CURRENT_USER;

Usage in expressions:
SELECT column_list, CURRENT_USER AS executed_by FROM table;
INSERT INTO table (cols, created_by) VALUES (vals, CURRENT_USER);

Ecommerce context example:
-- Audit order creator
SELECT id, customer_id, order_date, CURRENT_USER AS executed_by
FROM Orders;

Common Mistakes

Confusing CURRENT_USER with SESSION_USER. CURRENT_USER changes after SET ROLE; SESSION_USER does not. Use the appropriate function for your audit needs.
Assuming CURRENT_USER stays constant inside long procedures. Evaluate CURRENT_USER per statement to ensure accuracy in loops or dynamic SQL.