Re: [GENERAL] Suggested "minor" change to psql

When I develop a new DB schema using psql, I usually first create a file, say
"mySchema.sql". I then "createdb" the database, start up psql, and use the
command "\i mySchema.sql" to load in my new schema. There will be, needless to
say, several errors. These fall nicely below the offending line and I can look
at fixing them. I drop the DB, re-edit my SQL file and re-do the "\i" command.

I think the new stuff allows separating or merging different output
"channels" so that psql can be run in the different ways you wish.

However, this does raise another issue that might make debugging
scripts run through psql easier. I have found that emacs compile
buffer semantics are extremely useful for debugging source code, and
suggest that error messages from psql follow something similar (at
least as an option) to aid in script debugging. The output of
compiler error messages generally gives a filename:linenumber prefix
to the message; emacs can parse that an put you exactly at the correct
point for fixing the error.

If psql would also output messages in the same form, i.e.,

filename:linenumber: error message

then scripts run in emacs compile buffer (easily done either directly
or with make) could be rapidly debugged using the normal mechanisms
available for "normal" source code debugging.

I realize that everyone does not use emacs, but I can't see how
including that information would be detrimental to anyone. It gives
more information useful for anyone debugging scripts.

Cheers,
Brook