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PHP pg_send_query() Function: Usage and Examples

Sends a SQL statement for asynchronous execution. Retrieve every pending result with pg_get_result before issuing new

1 views Published Oct 17, 2026 Updated Oct 17, 2026 admin

Sends a SQL statement for asynchronous execution.

The objective is to understand the behavior and operational limits, not only the method name.

What It Does


Sends a SQL statement for asynchronous execution.

Syntax and Return Value


pg_send_query(...)

The return value and exceptional cases depend on the call described here: Retrieve every pending result with pg_get_result before issuing new work.

Requirements: install and enable the corresponding PHP driver or extension and configure the service before running the examples.

Example 1: Basic Use


Requires a reachable PostgreSQL server and the pgsql PHP extension; asynchronous requests must be drained with pg_get_result.

<?php
$host = getenv('DB_HOST'); $user = getenv('DB_USER'); $password = getenv('DB_PASSWORD'); $database = getenv('DB_NAME');
if (!$host || !$user || $password === false || !$database) throw new RuntimeException('Missing PostgreSQL configuration');
$pg = pg_connect('host=' . $host . ' dbname=' . $database . ' user=' . $user . ' password=' . $password);
if (!$pg) { throw new RuntimeException('PostgreSQL connection failed'); }
pg_send_query($pg,"SELECT 2 AS item_id");
while (($res = pg_get_result($pg)) !== false) echo pg_fetch_result($res,0,"item_id");

Example 2: A Second Scenario


Requires a reachable PostgreSQL server and the pgsql PHP extension; asynchronous requests must be drained with pg_get_result.

<?php
$host = getenv('DB_HOST'); $user = getenv('DB_USER'); $password = getenv('DB_PASSWORD'); $database = getenv('DB_NAME');
if (!$host || !$user || $password === false || !$database) throw new RuntimeException('Missing PostgreSQL configuration');
$pg = pg_connect('host=' . $host . ' dbname=' . $database . ' user=' . $user . ' password=' . $password);
if (!$pg) { throw new RuntimeException('PostgreSQL connection failed'); }
pg_send_query($pg,"SELECT 4 AS item_id");
while (($res = pg_get_result($pg)) !== false) echo pg_fetch_result($res,0,"item_id");

Example 3: Practical Checks


Requires a reachable PostgreSQL server and the pgsql PHP extension; asynchronous requests must be drained with pg_get_result.

<?php
$host = getenv('DB_HOST'); $user = getenv('DB_USER'); $password = getenv('DB_PASSWORD'); $database = getenv('DB_NAME');
if (!$host || !$user || $password === false || !$database) throw new RuntimeException('Missing PostgreSQL configuration');
$pg = pg_connect('host=' . $host . ' dbname=' . $database . ' user=' . $user . ' password=' . $password);
if (!$pg) { throw new RuntimeException('PostgreSQL connection failed'); }
pg_send_query($pg,"SELECT 6 AS item_id");
while (($res = pg_get_result($pg)) !== false) echo pg_fetch_result($res,0,"item_id");

Important Behavior and Edge Cases


Retrieve every pending result with pg_get_result before issuing new work.

For production use, also account for error handling, data validation, resource limits and environment-specific driver behavior.

Comparison with Related Approaches


ApproachImportant distinction
pg_send_querySends a SQL statement for asynchronous execution.
Related API / patternpg_query blocks until a synchronous query completes.

Common Beginner Mistakes


MistakeCorrect approach
Assuming the happy path covers edge casesRetrieve every pending result with pg_get_result before issuing new work.
Using a related API interchangeablypg_query blocks until a synchronous query completes.

Key Takeaways


  • Sends a SQL statement for asynchronous execution.
  • Retrieve every pending result with pg_get_result before issuing new work.
  • pg_query blocks until a synchronous query completes.

Choose this API or pattern when its exact semantics match your task, and verify the result against the database driver and runtime used by your application.

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