identify PostgreSQL data types

Question

I usually use MySQL, to determine its data type, I use 'describe column_name;' but in PostgreSQL, it doesn't work. What is the correct formula to determine data types in PostgreSQL?

I tried inputting the code: describe column_name; \d table_name; but none of them worked

\d only works in the psql shell

Bergi
– Bergi

2024-01-08 13:09:50 +00:00
Commented Jan 8, 2024 at 13:09 — Bergi
– Bergi, Commented Jan 8, 2024 at 13:09
if you have custom types, see this answer

JGH
– JGH

2024-01-08 13:59:41 +00:00
Commented Jan 8, 2024 at 13:59 — JGH
– JGH, Commented Jan 8, 2024 at 13:59

Laurenz Albe · Accepted Answer · 2024-01-08 12:58:27Z

2

I would query the view information_schema.columns, which should work on all standard compliant databases:

SELECT data_type, numeric_precision, numeric_scale, character_maximum_length
FROM information_schema.columns
WHERE table_schema = 'schemaname'
  AND table_name = 'tablename'
  AND column_name = 'columnname';

numeric_precision, numeric_scale and character_maximum_length are the optional type modifiers for the respective data types.

answered Jan 8, 2024 at 12:58

Laurenz Albe

257k22 gold badges312 silver badges388 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

identify PostgreSQL data types

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related