42P08
PostgreSQLERRORNotableSyntax Error or Access Rule ViolationHIGH confidence
ambiguous parameter
What this means
SQLSTATE 42P08 is raised when a query parameter ($n) is ambiguous because it appears in a context where Postgres cannot determine its type and multiple type interpretations are possible.
Why it happens
- 1A query parameter used in an expression that could be resolved to multiple different types, making Postgres unable to pick one
How to reproduce
Ambiguous parameter type in a prepared statement.
expected output
ERROR: could not determine data type of parameter $1
Fix
Specify the parameter type explicitly in PREPARE
WHEN When Postgres cannot infer the type of a parameter.
Specify the parameter type explicitly in PREPARE
PREPARE stmt (TEXT) AS SELECT * FROM orders WHERE status = $1;
Why this works
Providing the parameter types in PREPARE eliminates type ambiguity.
Sources
Official documentation ↗
Class 42 — Syntax Error or Access Rule Violation (Postgres-specific)
Content generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Found an error? hello@errcodes.dev