2203FERRORTier 2 — Caution✅ HIGH confidenceSQL/JSON scalar required
Category: Data ExceptionVersions: Postgres 14+
What this means
SQLSTATE 2203F is raised when a SQL/JSON context requires a scalar value (string, number, boolean, or null) but receives a JSON array or object.
Why it happens
- 1A SQL/JSON operation that requires a scalar receives a compound JSON value (array or object)
How to reproduce
SQL/JSON scalar context receiving an array.
trigger — this will ERROR
ERROR: SQL/JSON scalar required
Fix 1: Navigate to the scalar value within the JSON structure
When the path resolves to a container but a scalar is needed.
fix
-- Navigate deeper into the JSON to reach a scalar:
SELECT jsonb_path_query('{"x":{"y":42}}'::jsonb, '$.x.y');Why this works
Adjust the path expression to select the specific scalar field rather than the containing object.
Version notes
Postgres 14+SQL/JSON scalar type checking added in Postgres 14.Sources
📚 Official docs: https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/errcodes-appendix.html
🔧 Source ref: Class 22 — Data Exception
Confidence assessment
✅ HIGH confidence
Standard SQLSTATE. Stable.
See also
🔗 Related errors
📄 Reference pages
SQL/JSON Path Language
⚙️ This error reference was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Examples are provided to illustrate common scenarios and may not cover every case. Always test fixes in a development environment before applying to production. Spotted an error? Suggest a correction →