Re: What do I do with this error?

Tom,

> Yes, I'd say so. 7.1 returns a NULL as expected ...

Er, Tom, I'm using 7.1.

Pgsql does return a null as expected when going from the command line.
However, if I call the regular expression from within a PL/pgSQL
function, it bombs.

Therefore, please forward to pgsql-bugs:

Bug Name: Regular Expressions with NULL error out in PL/pgSQL.
Can Reproduce: Reliably
Severity: Annoyance.
Location: PL/pgSQL / Function handler / SPI
Version: 7.1 beta 3

Description: If you attempt to run a query within a PL/pgSQL function
which compares a field. via regular expression, to a NULL variable, you
get a fatal error.

Example:

CREATE FUNCTION test1 () RETURNS INT4 AS
'DELCARE
expression1 VARCHAR;
return_value INT4;
BEGIN
expression1 := NULL;
SELECT id INTO return_value
FROM table1
WHERE field2 ~* expression1;
RETURN return_value;
END;

-Josh

______AGLIO DATABASE SOLUTIONS___________________________
Josh Berkus
Complete information technology josh(at)agliodbs(dot)com
and data management solutions (415) 565-7293
for law firms, small businesses fax 621-2533
and non-profit organizations. San Francisco