How to diagnose and fix the HV006 fdw_invalid_data_type_descriptors error code in Postgres.

by

The HV006 error code in PostgreSQL pertains to an issue with Foreign Data Wrappers (FDWs), specifically indicating “fdw_invalid_data_type_descriptors.” This error suggests that there is a problem with the data type descriptors used by the FDW, which could be due to a mismatch between the data types expected by PostgreSQL and those provided by the foreign data source or an incorrect setup of the FDW.

To diagnose and fix the HV006 error, consider the following steps:

  1. Check Data Type Compatibility:
    Ensure that the data types in your foreign table definition are compatible with the data types in the foreign data source. Data type mismatches can occur when the foreign data source has been altered or if the FDW does not support certain data types.
  2. Review FDW Documentation:
    Different FDWs have different capabilities and limitations. Review the documentation for the FDW you are using to understand its data type handling and ensure that you are using supported data types.
  3. Examine Foreign Table Definitions:
    Look at the foreign table definitions in PostgreSQL to verify that the data types are defined correctly. You can use the \d+ foreign_table_name command in psql to display the foreign table definition, including data type information.
  4. Adjust Foreign Table Definitions:
    If you identify a data type issue, you may need to adjust the foreign table definition to use a compatible data type. For example, if a particular data type is not supported by the FDW, you may need to use a different data type that can adequately represent the data from the foreign source.

Here’s an example of how you might adjust a foreign table definition:

ALTER FOREIGN TABLE foreign_table
    ALTER COLUMN column_name TYPE new_data_type USING column_name::new_data_type;

Replace foreign_table, column_name, and new_data_type with your actual table and column names and the new data type you wish to use.

  1. Recreate the Foreign Table:
    If extensive changes are needed, it might be simpler to drop and recreate the foreign table with the correct data type definitions. Use the CREATE FOREIGN TABLE command with the proper data type specifications.
  2. Update the FDW Extension:
    If the issue persists, ensure that you are using the latest version of the FDW extension, as updates may include fixes for data type handling issues.
  3. Consult the Community or Support:
    If you’re unable to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to the PostgreSQL community or seek professional support. Provide details about the FDW you are using, the foreign data source, and the specific error message you are encountering.

In all cases, when making changes to the database schema or foreign table definitions, it’s important to test your changes in a development or staging environment before applying them to production. This approach helps prevent any unintended consequences that might affect your application’s stability or data integrity.

Leave a Comment