How to View Schema in ParadeDB PostgreSQL

How do I view a schema in ParadeDB?

The VIEW SCHEMA command lets you inspect tables, columns, and data types inside a ParadeDB schema directly from SQL or psql.

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Description

Why would I need to view a ParadeDB schema?

Inspecting a schema helps you confirm table structures, troubleshoot query errors, and plan migrations without guessing column names or data types.

Which commands quickly list all tables in a schema?

In psql run \dt sales.* to list everything in the sales schema. With pure SQL use:

SELECT table_name FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema = 'sales';

How do I show full column definitions for one table?

Meta-command: \d+ sales.Orders. SQL alternative:

SELECT column_name, data_type, is_nullable, column_default FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_schema = 'sales' AND table_name = 'Orders';

Can I view the schema for every table at once?

Use a single query that aggregates column info:

SELECT table_name, json_agg(json_build_object('column', column_name, 'type', data_type)) AS columns FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_schema = 'sales' GROUP BY table_name;

Best practices when inspecting ParadeDB schemas

Set SET search_path = sales, public; first so unqualified names resolve. Add LIMIT when querying large catalog tables to avoid client overload.

What are common mistakes?

See below for typical errors and fixes.

Why How to View Schema in ParadeDB PostgreSQL is important

How to View Schema in ParadeDB PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Show every column in the Orders table with ParadeDB
SELECT column_name, data_type, is_nullable
FROM information_schema.columns
WHERE table_schema = 'public' AND table_name = 'Orders';

How to View Schema in ParadeDB PostgreSQL Syntax


-- psql meta-commands
\dn                  -- list all schemas
\dt [schema.]*       -- list tables in a schema
\d[+] schema.table   -- describe table with storage details

-- SQL catalog queries
SELECT *
FROM information_schema.tables
WHERE table_schema = '<schema_name>';

SELECT column_name, data_type, is_nullable, column_default
FROM information_schema.columns
WHERE table_schema = '<schema_name>' AND table_name = '<table_name>';

-- Example (ecommerce)
SELECT column_name, data_type, column_default
FROM information_schema.columns
WHERE table_schema = 'public' AND table_name = 'Orders';

Common Mistakes

Using information_schema.tables without filtering by table_schema causes cross-schema noise. Always add WHERE table_schema = '<schema>'.
Relying only on psql \dt without \d+ misses column defaults and nullability. Use \d+ or query information_schema.columns instead.