singleton SQL/JSON item required

Q: How to fix PostgreSQL 22038 singleton SQL/JSON item required?

Use a more specific path that returns exactly one item: Refine the JSON path expression to select a single element, or use jsonb_path_query() to handle multiple items as a set.

What this means

SQLSTATE 22038 is raised when a SQL/JSON context requires exactly one item (singleton) but the path expression returns multiple items or an array.

Why it happens

1A SQL/JSON function or operator that requires a single value receives a sequence or array from the path expression

How to reproduce

SQL/JSON singleton context with multiple matches.

expected output

ERROR:  singleton SQL/JSON item required

Fix

Use a more specific path that returns exactly one item

WHEN When the context requires a singleton JSON value.

Why this works

Refine the JSON path expression to select a single element, or use jsonb_path_query() to handle multiple items as a set.

Version notes

Postgres 14+

SQL/JSON singleton requirement enforced from Postgres 14.

Sources

Official documentation ↗

Class 22 — Data Exception

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At a glance

PlatformPostgreSQL SQLSTATE Errors

Code22038

ClassData Exception

SeverityERROR

TierNotable

ConfidenceHIGH