Re: Is the subtype_diff function in CREATE TYPE only can be C function?

On Wed, Jan 10, 2024 at 1:49 PM ddme <ret2ddme(at)qq(dot)com> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I notice that the CREATE TYPE syntax can specify subtype_diff function
>
> CREATE TYPE name AS RANGE (
> SUBTYPE = subtype
> [ , SUBTYPE_OPCLASS = subtype_operator_class ]
> [ , COLLATION = collation ]
> [ , CANONICAL = canonical_function ]
> [ , SUBTYPE_DIFF = subtype_diff_function ] <————— here
> [ , MULTIRANGE_TYPE_NAME = multirange_type_name ]
> )
>
> And a example is
> ```sql
>
> CREATE TYPE float8_range AS RANGE (subtype = float8, subtype_diff = float8mi);
>
> ```
>
> I notice that float8mi is a C function, and I find the call_subtype_diff() in source code that it seems only can call C function.

call_subtype_diff() invokes FunctionCall2Coll() which in turn invokes
the function handler for non-C functions. See
fmgr_info_cxt_security() for example. So subtype_diff can be a SQL
callable function written in any supported language.

>
> I want to know
>
> 1. Can the subtype_diff function in CREATE TYPE be sql or plpgsql function?

I think so.

> 2. How to call subtype_diff function? I know it related with GiST index, I need a example on how to trigger subtype_diff function.

I am not familiar with GiST code enough to answer that question. But
looking at the places where call_subtype_diff() is called, esp. the
comments there might give you hints.
OR somebody more familiar with GiST code will give you a direct answer.

--
Best Wishes,
Ashutosh Bapat