Search path
A search path is an ordered list of database schemas searched to resolve unqualified object names.
PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A schema search path is an ordered list of database schemas that PostgreSQL searches to resolve unqualified object names.
- How it is used
- Protects unqualified object resolution from accidental shadowing and malicious query hijacking.
- How deep it goes
- Defines ordered schema lookup and traces shadowing through functions, tables, operators, and sequences before prescribing controls.
- Examples
- Uses customers, now(), current_month_sales(), SHOW search_path, REVOKE CREATE, and an ALTER FUNCTION setting.
- What you can do after
- Operate/configure it: restrict schema creation and set safe paths for privileged functions.
Read how PostgreSQL Mistakes and How to Avoid Them explains search path →
Just Use Postgres!
A PostgreSQL search path is an ordered list of schemas searched for unqualified database objects.
- How it is used
- Routes unqualified database commands to the selected schema in a multi-schema application database.
- How deep it goes
- Defines implicit schema resolution and demonstrates SHOW and SET, but does not discuss precedence or session persistence.
- Examples
- Uses products, customers, and sales schemas plus an unqualified catalog query.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via SQL to inspect and change schema resolution for unqualified queries.
Related concepts
- schemauses · A data schema is a formal specification of the structure, fields, types, relationships, and constraints of data.
- security definerconfigured by · SECURITY DEFINER is a PostgreSQL function execution mode that runs the function with the privileges of its owner rather than its caller.
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