PHP pg_escape_identifier() Function: Usage and Examples

pg_escape_identifier() quotes a PostgreSQL identifier such as a table or column name, handling embedded quotation marks. This guide explains the function with focused examples and the decisions that matter in real applications.

What Is pg_escape_identifier() in PHP?

Quotes a PostgreSQL identifier such as a table or column name, handling embedded quotation marks.

A typical call looks like this:

<?php

pg_escape_identifier($databaseConnection, "order");

The input arguments shown in the call identify the relevant connection, resource, value, path or configuration for the operation. Pay attention to argument order and to the return value demonstrated below.

In the examples, $databaseConnection is a PostgreSQL connection created with pg_connect(). A $queryResult is produced by pg_query(). Large-object handles are transaction-scoped. A false result should be treated as a failed operation, not as empty data.

Example 1: Basic Usage

This first example uses pg_escape_identifier() directly to demonstrate its basic purpose.

<?php

$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
$columnName = "display name";
$searchTerm = "Sam's notes";

$result = pg_escape_identifier($databaseConnection, "order");
var_dump($result);

This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.

Example 2: A Different Input or Option

The next example changes the input or option, showing another supported use of pg_escape_identifier().

<?php

$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
$columnName = "display name";
$searchTerm = "Sam's notes";

$result = pg_escape_identifier($databaseConnection, "full name");
var_dump($result);

This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.

Practical Example: Applying the Function

In application code, pg_escape_identifier() belongs in a controlled workflow with input validation, a checked result and cleanup where needed.

<?php

$connectionString = getenv("PG_CONNECTION_STRING");
if (!$connectionString) { throw new RuntimeException("Configure PG_CONNECTION_STRING first."); }
$databaseConnection = pg_connect($connectionString);
if ($databaseConnection === false) { throw new RuntimeException("Connection failed."); }
$columnName = "display name";
$searchTerm = "Sam's notes";

$result = pg_escape_identifier($databaseConnection, $columnName);
var_dump($result);

This call works with the particular connection or result object created above. The exact rows or database diagnostics depend on the example database.

Important Behavior and Edge Cases

• Main behavior: Quotes a PostgreSQL identifier such as a table or column name, handling embedded quotation marks.
• Important limitation: Identifiers are not SQL values; placeholders cannot substitute for table or column names.
• Requirements: PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges.

Comparison With Related Functions

Common Beginner Mistakes

Key Takeaways

• Quotes a PostgreSQL identifier such as a table or column name, handling embedded quotation marks.
• Identifiers are not SQL values; placeholders cannot substitute for table or column names.
• PostgreSQL must be available, the pgsql extension must be enabled, and the connection must have suitable privileges.

Use pg_escape_identifier() when its behavior matches your task, and verify the relevant return value before taking further action. These examples are illustrative and require an existing PostgreSQL database containing the named example tables; do not run them against production data.