PostgreSQL Error 42883: Undefined Function

PostgreSQL error 42883 (Undefined Function) explained: what it means, why it happens, and how to fix it — with copy-paste code examples.

SQLSTATE 42883 PostgreSQL Last verified 2026-08-19

Quick Answer

Check pg_proc for the function and its argument signatures. If that does not apply, enable missing extensions with CREATE EXTENSION — the full checklist is below.

Error Code

SQLSTATE: 42883
Official name: Undefined Function
Service: PostgreSQL

What does this error mean?

The referenced function does not exist, or no function matches the given argument types.

Common Causes

How to Fix

  1. Check pg_proc for the function and its argument signatures
  2. Enable missing extensions with CREATE EXTENSION
  3. Cast arguments to exact types matching the function signature
  4. Schema-qualify the function call

Code Examples

Inspect function signatures sql 
SELECT proname, pg_get_function_arguments(oid) AS args
FROM pg_proc
WHERE proname ILIKE '%uuid%';

See the exact argument types expected so you can match or cast your call to a real overload.

Framework-Specific Fixes

supabase

Enable the extension (e.g. pgcrypto) via Dashboard > Extensions before using its functions.

CREATE EXTENSION IF NOT EXISTS pgcrypto;
SELECT gen_random_uuid();
django

Use Func() with explicit output types; ensure the DB function exists.

from django.db.models import Func

class Abs(Func):
    function = 'ABS'
    arity = 1

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42703 Undefined Column The referenced column does not exist in the table. 42P01 Undefined Table The referenced table does not exist in the current schema search path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I seeing PostgreSQL error 42883?

Most often this happens when calling a function not installed in this database, or when argument types do not match any overload signature.

How do I fix PostgreSQL error 42883?

Check pg_proc for the function and its argument signatures.

Which frameworks have documented fixes for error 42883?

This page documents fixes for: supabase, django.

Official Sources

This page is based on the official PostgreSQL documentation linked below and adds practical troubleshooting guidance on top.