Psql store query in variable. How do I declare a variable for use in a PostgreSQL 8.

Psql store query in variable. MyProcedure() AS $$ DECLARE RowCoun How do you set a variable value in Oracle? In oracle we cannot directly set the value to a variable, we can only assign a value to a variable between the Begin and End blocks. Jul 23, 2025 · The following query demonstrates how to use record type variables in conjunction with the SELECT INTO statement. Note: photo_id is a bigint[] data type - I mean its intentionally bigint[]. I dont know how many results there are going to be. So this: In SQL Developer, substitution variables defined by DEFINE seem to be persistent between query executions. A simple way to see what I want something looking like this - I want this: DECLARE @result1 Initializing Variables in PL/SQL Whenever you declare a variable, PL/SQL assigns it a default value of NULL. Learn how to use the psql `SELECT INTO` command to store the results of a query into a variable. But maybe FOR cursor LOOP and row-by-row processing would be better decision. Variables act as containers for values and enable various operations on the stored data. One of its key features is the ability to use DECLARE variables, which allow developers to store and manipulate data within a block of code. Is there a way to set a variable at the beginning of my query and reference it throughout? I'm not looking to write a whole function, just reference a variable throughout my query. . Below is an over-baked way of updating the tweet on the bottom right "blurb" with "hello world". You can declare your variables using DECLARE in the PL/SQL. This tutorial introduces you to PL/SQL variables and shows you how to manipulate the variables effectively. Now how can I run Feb 18, 2020 · There are dozens of reasons why you shouldn’t use select *, but only one reason to use it… laziness. Although there is no direct “SELECT INTO [variable]” syntax, you can use the “SET” statement to assign query results to variables. May 25, 2022 · How to store query result to variable and perform update to another table Shalini Radhakrishnan May 25 2022 — edited May 25 2022 How to store single result in variable and reuse it in a query (Oracle)? Ask Question Asked 13 years ago Modified 13 years ago In PostgreSQL, the PL/pgSQL SELECT INTO statement helps us store the table's data into a specific variable. Oct 30, 2023 · Learn the process of storing the result of a select query in a variable in PostgreSQL. for example: May 28, 2023 · For this, we have multiple apporaches: you can pass variables as arguments to psql: psql -v var=value (instead of -v x=y, you can use –set=x=y or –variable=x=y) you can set them using \set metacommand you can also set them to values from a query, using \gset, optionally with prefix To use them, you generally use :var query or metacommand. In this article, we will explore the basics of PostgreSQL and delve into how to effectively use DECLARE variables for Jan 13, 2002 · Is it possible to place the results of a query into a variable, which can then be used in another query (or nested query)? example: I want to select the tablename from a table into a variable and then use the variable (table name) to select the data from the appropriate table. If you need a bare variable you could use a temporary table: Aug 23, 2018 · I'm trying to store the result of a sql query, which should be a single date, in a variable. This gives you more flexibility and control when managing data in T-SQL scripts or stored procedures. A fundamental aspect of PL/pgSQL is the use of variables that play a crucial role in storing temporary data and facilitating complex computations within database functions and procedures. Jun 7, 2019 · I have a PLPGSQL function which receives an address in two parts: num = '123' location = 'main street, anytown, KS' To utilize the various portions of location I found there is a SQL function SPLI May 25, 2021 · PLSQL - How to store multiple values into a variable and return those stored values May 31, 2018 · Use this nifty code to isolate the result of a PSQL COUNT query as a variable within a Bash script. For example, If I had a t Oct 9, 2012 · Good Day, I have a PL-SQL query as follows. SQL>var v_storedate VARCHAR2 (19); SQL>exec :v_storedate := 'select cdate from rprt where cdate between cdate AND TO_CHAR (sysdat Jan 15, 2021 · With MSSQL it's easy, the @ marking the start of all variable names allows the parser to know that it is a variable not a column. Aug 23, 2013 · I'm trying to get the whole result of a query into a variable, so I can loop through it and make inserts. select * from my_table where my_id = 11111; Why can't I run the same query from toad this time declaring a variable and using it in the where clause? Dec 31, 2024 · Learn how to declare and use variables in PostgreSQL with examples. Assigning the values to variables can be done as direct input (:=) or using select into clause. The stuff I've seen online all points to something like this: Aug 12, 2013 · In Sql Server, often times when I'm testing the body of a stored procedure, I copy the body into SSMS, DECLARE the variables at the top of the page, set them to some sample values, and execute the Aug 15, 2017 · Store a query result in a variable and use in another query I'm trying to store the result of a query in variable and then use the value in another query. Mar 20, 2018 · Postgres: Store result of a query into a variable and use that variable in another query Asked 7 years, 2 months ago Modified 7 years, 2 months ago Viewed 7k times Nov 18, 2024 · Explore how the SQL variable mechanism can help you write complex SQL statements in MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle. These variables can hold values of various types such as integers, booleans, text, and more. You use cursor variables to pass query result sets between PL/SQL stored subprograms and various clients. Is there a way to call the function just one time and save the output? Feb 2, 2024 · This article teaches the reader how to create variables in PostgreSQL and use them to query the database. Aug 25, 2015 · While PostgreSQL’s procedural language PL/pgSQL supports approaches such as SELECT INTO and assignment (:=) to set PL/pgSQL variables based on a query result, these approaches are not supported for psql variable assignment. This is a powerful technique for manipulating data in PostgreSQL. Feb 8, 2012 · Could somebody please give a some pointers/hints or links on how to store result of a select query in a variable. In attempting to write a Bash script, I wanted to return the result of a COUNT function as a variable that I could then use as part of a follow-up table query. Conclusion In PostgreSQL, a variable is always declared with a particular data type, such as INTEGER, TEXT, DATE, TIME, etc. Can anybody please help me with Aug 28, 2009 · I write a simple procedure. Aug 22, 2022 · There's little need to a table variable here (what you call an "array", which SQL Server doesn't have), as this would just be an additional cost to run the first query (with all its additional JOIN s), store that data somewhere (which might be in RAM, but could be in a table in tempdb), and then read that data back. Sep 15, 2014 · I come from an SQL Server background and I'm trying to figure out how to use Oracle PL/SQL variables. But each call must use the same number of bind variables. Sep 5, 2014 · What I need to do is set a value to a variable using the EXECUTING query. I try to store selection result in variable. How do I declare a variable for use in a PostgreSQL 8. What is the definition? , How to include both acronym/abbreviation and As of postgresql 9. If v_acct5 is a collection, I would say you should try to replace the variable name with (SELECT COLUMN_VALUE FROM TABLE(v_acct5)). I don't know if it's possible. Oracle might even create different (better) exec. May 6, 2015 · How can I do a variable "in list" I have a simple stored procedure, that I would like to have a passed in string (varchar2) for used in select from where col1 in (var1) in a stored procedure. Then use this value to pass into a stored procedure. Apr 20, 2009 · Postgresql does not have bare variables, you could use a temporary table. I have tried; SET @variable = SELECT column FROM How do you store results of SELECT query in a variable in stored procedure? The syntax for assigning a value to a SQL variable within a SELECT query is @ var_name := value , where var_name is the variable name and value is a value that you’re retrieving. Mar 19, 2024 · Summary: in this tutorial, you will learn about PL/pgSQL variables and various ways to declare them Introduction to PL/pgSQL variables In PL/pgSQL, variables are placeholders for storing data within a block. Mar 19, 2024 · In this tutorial, you will learn how to use the PL/pgSQL SELECT INTO statement to select data from the database and assign it to a variable. This handy script is useful for a beginner who just started to write a PostgreSQL DBA Bash Shell Script. So is it possible to tell Oracle to store this single result in a variable and use this variable to build up new queries - explicitly to use in in the conditional clause of other queries?, Discrete and Continuous variables. Aug 15, 2017 · I'm trying to store the result of a query in variable and then use the value in another query. Number of bind variables to a query must be fixed. However, the result goes to the script output screen. Feb 25, 2015 · Sometimes, when having the view makes sense anyway (the query appears in multiple functions, for example), this may me a more convenient way. Explore syntax, examples, and use cases for effective database programming. Oct 14, 2013 · How do I store the return value of this statement (for example, the value in count is 5) into a variable? I want to be able to access the count value throughout the rest of my procedure. Please help me on how I can save the output (51 insert statements) from the SELECT statement and assign it into a variable, and then execute it. Oct 17, 2019 · You can store result of one query in a variable and then use it in the next stage of stored procedure. I'm trying to declare a variable and then select that variable. Oracle query gets optimized, compiled and you can reuse exec. Mar 1, 2017 · In this post, I am sharing one more shell script to store the result of psql SELECT query into a Variable of Bash Shell Script. Sep 25, 2025 · In these commands, any PL/pgSQL variable name appearing in the command text is replaced by a query parameter, and then the current value of the variable is provided as the parameter value at run time. You can use variables in your Oracle PL/SQL programs to store values temporarily. The first is to use VAR, to declare a bind variable. Before – knutella Mar 6, 2013 at 9:06 Possible duplicate of Store PostgreSQL query result to Shell or PostgreSQL variable – Francisco Puga Jan 12, 2018 at 17:03 SELECT INTO DECLARE the_variable NUMBER; BEGIN SELECT my_column INTO the_variable FROM my_table; END; Make sure that the query only returns a single row: By default, a SELECT INTO statement must return only one row. Mar 24, 2015 · SET @QUERY='SELECT SAL_GRD_CODE,SAL_GRD_NAME FROM HS_PR_SALARY_GRADE WHERE SAL_GRD_CODE IN ('000001','000002')' I don't see any values to be dynamic in your query. It is very powerful, available on many platforms, is installed with Postgres (often in a separate package, e. In SQL Server I'd use the following syntax: DECLARE @storeddate DATETIME SELECT @storeddate = GETDATE () S Mar 30, 2012 · I want to grab a particular column value a. PostgreSQL: Declaring Variables This PostgreSQL tutorial explains how to declare variables in PostgreSQL with syntax and examples. You can define variables and constants in PL/SQL and then use them in procedural statements and in SQL anywhere an expression can be used. If it is a string, you should rethink the approach, because you'll have to use dynamic SQL and concatenate the strings. I am unable to successfully retrieve the cell data into a variable from the function. Feb 26, 2015 · 0 You can not do it like that. I'm trying to execute a query and store the results into a variable. In addition, psql provides a number of meta-commands and various shell-like features to facilitate writing scripts and automating a wide variety of tasks. The functionality is the same as a temporary table. I have a query which fetches more than 1 row and I want to store all those 3 row's values in 1 Variable. I search a way to put the result into a variable and use it. Nov 20, 2012 · Hello, I have a following requirement: Result of one select query on Var1 , result of other select query in Var2 , if Va2 = 'value11' OR Var2 = 'Value2' then Var1 = 'select query'. It enables you to type in queries interactively, issue them to PostgreSQL, and see the query results. Jan 16, 2018 · If you really need to store multiple rows, check BULK COLLECT INTO statement and examples. Here's an example of using functions in postgres (including declaration, variables, args, return values, and running). variables are only available in code blocks or as a user-interface feature. The typical way to make a psql variable assignment is via use of \set. Store select query's output in one array in postgres Asked 14 years, 4 months ago Modified 2 years, 7 months ago Viewed 234k times Jul 23, 2025 · In the SQL Server, it is important to manage query results effectively. Here is what I am trying to run: CREATE OR Replace PROCEDURE schema. In this article, we will explore how to use variables in PostgreSQL, including their definition, types Sep 25, 2025 · In both cases the actual row structure is unknown when the function is written, but for a function returning record the actual structure is determined when the calling query is parsed, whereas a record variable can change its row structure on-the-fly. Make sure your WHERE clause is specific enough to Aug 9, 2024 · Answer by Canaan Daugherty Joining this query would not be a good option in this circumstance. For example, if you use select * creating a view, it is not dynamic. What is a variable in Oracle? In Oracle/PLSQL, a variable allows a programmer to store data temporarily during the execution of code. (Is this because of the double && ?) Aug 31, 2023 · PostgreSQL variable in SQL query In PostgreSQL, you can use variables in functions, and the syntax is similar to Oracle's PL/SQL. Jun 6, 2013 · I am working on ORACLE STORED PROCEDURES and I have a doubt. For example, it supports commands Jan 29, 2015 · So instead of running the query multiple times i want to save the query value into a variable once and use it multiple times to accelerate the query speed. SQL> select * from dept 2 where dname = :name 3 / DEPTNO DNAME LOC ---------- -------------- ------------- 30 Aug 10, 2020 · I want to store result of above query which is list of varchars in a variable since i need to perform below 2 steps : If above query returns any project_ids, send an email which contains these project_ids in mail body Sep 3, 2016 · It's hard to say with so little details on your datatypes and structures. id and store it into a variable v_id. I am calling a function to query an SQL table. Aug 15, 2017 · Store a query result in a variable and use in another query I'm trying to store the result of a query in variable and then use the value in another query. This is useful for things like injecting constant values where a select is providing the input to an insert table when copying from a staging table. 1 Spice up larryshanahan (Larry Shanahan) February 19, 2020, 2:41pm 7 Adam (AJ Tek): Larry Shanahan: There are a several ways of declaring variables in SQL*Plus scripts. The simplified script below works if I select all and hit F5. I'm new to postgre and procedures, any help will be very w Is there a way in to just run a query once to select into a variable, considering that the query might return nothing, then in that case the variable should be null. 1, in psql you can now use :'variable' to have it properly quoted as a value for you, or :"variable" to use it as an identifier. The syntax for SELECT INTO @variable Sep 8, 2023 · I'm trying to declare a variable for later use in a PostgreSQL query. Mar 18, 2014 · How to store query result in a variable in sql Asked 11 years, 4 months ago Modified 11 years, 2 months ago Viewed 12k times PostgreSQL is a powerful open-source relational database management system that offers a wide range of features and functionalities. Let us better understand PostgreSQL is a powerful relational database management system that provides various features to enhance the functionality and flexibility of your applications. So far I have this query which works: SELECT DECODE(COUNT(*), 0, 'N', 'Y') This tutorial shows you how to use the PL/SQL SELECT INTO statement to fetch data of a single row from a table into variables. If I change the variable value, but do not explicitly highlight the DEFINE line when executing, the previous value remains. PL/SQL and its clients share a pointer to the query work area in which the result set is stored. If you want to initialize a variable with a value other than the NULL value, you can do so during the declaration, using either of the following − The DEFAULT keyword The assignment operator For example − counter binary_integer := 0; greetings varchar2(20) DEFAULT 'Have a Good Day Sep 25, 2025 · Description psql is a terminal-based front-end to PostgreSQL. 3 query? In MS SQL Server I can do this: DECLARE @myvar INT; SET @myvar = 5/ SELECT * FROM somewhere WHERE something = @myvar; How do I d Jul 23, 2025 · We will cover variable initialization, scope, and the use of variable attributes like %TYPE and %ROWTYPE. What is a variable? A PL/SQL variable is a placeholder for a value. Also, select * is only dynamic if your query is dynamic. Dec 17, 2023 · In a query, I am using the NOW() function several times (to extract the day, month, and year of the current date). Dec 28, 2024 · Learn how to declare variables in PostgreSQL using PLpgSQL. psql supports advanced scripting, and psql scripts can be viewed as a superset of Postgres SQL dialect. Oracle / PLSQL: Declaring Variables This Oracle tutorial explains how to declare variables in Oracle/PLSQL with syntax and examples. This value can be a number, date, or text string. , apt install postgresql-client-16 on Ubuntu/Debian). Currently, I can't do a select Feb 8, 2012 · Could somebody please give a some pointers/hints or links on how to store result of a select query in a variable. Feb 23, 2015 · I'm going to have to run this query for 3 different fiscal years, and don't want to have to hunt down the date 17 times in order to change it throughout my query. Aug 18, 2020 · I'm using below code to fetch the extra Project IDs present in TABLE_ONE compared to TABLE_TWO (source Store result of minus query ( list of varchars) in a variable in Oracle PL/SQL) DECLARE Aug 1, 2008 · Hi I'm trying to store the value of sysdate in a variable so I can use it in a query later. One such feature is the usage of variables, which allow you to store and manipulate values within your PostgreSQL queries. Variables keep the mutable data that can be modified using a function or block code. Alternatively, input can be from a file or from command line arguments. Also, you would want to retrieve the output of the Apr 5, 2021 · I need to execute all of those 51 INSERT query statements. I'm doing this because I plan to reuse the variable several times throughout the rest of the script. However, you introduce an additional dependency which makes harder to change the logic. Feb 2, 2024 · You might need to use variables in PostgreSQL. The PL/pgSQL SELECT INTO statement fetches the data from a particular table and assigns it to the given variable. I've done this often in TSQL, but I wasn't sure about the syntax. g. Example: DECLARE v_employeeRecord employee%ROWTYPE; BEGIN SELEC Nov 15, 2016 · I have a simple query that I can run in toad. Nov 9, 2012 · See: User-defined variables in PostgreSQL The limitations being that the name has to be qualified (must contain a dot), and only string values (type text) are stored and returned. plan for a query where you have many values in IN clause. What is a variable in PostgreSQL? In PostgreSQL, a variable allows a programmer to store data temporarily during the execution of code. The mechanism for assigning values to a VAR is with an EXEC call: SQL> var name varchar2(20) SQL> exec :name := 'SALES' PL/SQL procedure successfully completed. Understand syntax, dynamic SQL, control flow, and best practices for efficient queries. But, if you are really doing it in PL/SQL, then you need to (ab)use EXECUTE IMMEDIATE. which allows us to store a row directly into a record type variable from a query result. May 17, 2019 · I'm storing a value in a variable featureId and then trying to use that value in my SELECT statement, but postgres seems to be taking the name literally and looking for a column called "featureid". I use "SELECT INTO" query but I can not doing this. Jun 4, 2025 · The psql command-line interface for PostgreSQL lets you pass parameters into your SQL scripts using variables. Variables allow you to hold values for calculations, store query results, and so on. How to use variables in psql scripts psql is a native terminal-based client for PostgreSQL. SELECT ‘OUTPUT SAM FROM OUTPUTER2’ INTO OUTPUTER2 FROM DUAL; DBMS_OUTPUT. How to Declare PL/SQL Variables? When writing PL/SQL code it is important to declare variables properly to store and manipulate data effectively. Apr 27, 2013 · I want to store a select query result in a variable in PLSQL. In PL/SQL, a variable is a meaningful name of a temporary storage location that supports a particular data type in program. Jul 1, 2020 · How to use variables in a raw postgresql script block, outside of a function So there are times that you need to run a raw postgres script that contains variables, on a simple sql script execution … Jul 5, 2011 · My main skills are with SQL Server, but I have been asked to do some tuning of an Oracle query. Otherwise, PL/SQL raises the predefined exception TOO_MANY_ROWS and the values of the variables in the INTO clause are undefined. Dec 9, 2016 · I want to put the results of a select statement into an @variable to use later on in the query. In order to use a variable, you need to declare it in declaration section of PL/SQL block. So, why do you want to use PL/SQL? You could do it in plain SQL with a SELECT statement. Example using a psql stored procedure with variables The next example is similar to the previous hello_world procedure, but in this example, we will use variables. I'm trying to create a script that calls several stored procedures in PostgreSQL and print the result of some of them: CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION script( vtoken character varying) RETURNS void This tutorial shows you how to use the MySQL SELECT INTO variable to store query result in one or more variables. The psql --help command explains how to accomplish this: Jul 15, 2025 · PostgreSQL, one of the most powerful and advanced open-source relational database management systems, provides robust support for procedural programming through its PL/pgSQL language. I have written the following SQL: declare @startDate int select @startDate = 20110501 And I get this I create a query with some results reused. Sep 24, 2021 · I am trying to assign a variable the result of a query in a postgres stored procedure. plan many times. Depending on what you want exactly there are other ways: Global, persistent constants Create simple IMMUTABLE, LANGUAGE sql functions. It is just that the article claims the table variable performs best in SQL Server. To declare a variable, use the “DECLARE var_name data_type:= expression;” syntax. I only need the results of one cell. The following example shows how you can store the result of the query in the QRY_STRING variable and then retrieve the value from the query result. na 5tsg o3nxiun2 1fxy1q ddyjjd 8mc8 arbyw 7ik7 rw0 lqx