Thread: BUG #1922: bit string of calculated length

The following bug has been logged online:

Bug reference:      1922
Logged by:          Sorin Schwimmer
Email address:      sxn02@yahoo.com
PostgreSQL version: 8.0.2
Operating system:   Gentoo Linux 2005
Description:        bit string of calculated length
Details:

When puting in an expression something like
'0'::BIT(20-LENGTH(something_here))
I receive an error message suggesting that integer arithmetic is not allowed
in a BIT declaration.
The following experiments should prove my point:
SELECT '0'::BIT(20-4);
SELECT '0'::BIT(10+2);

I'd like to suggest to allow for any expression that converts to positive
integer.

Thanks,
Sorin Schwimmer

"Sorin Schwimmer" <sxn02@yahoo.com> writes:
> When puting in an expression something like
> '0'::BIT(20-LENGTH(something_here))
> I receive an error message suggesting that integer arithmetic is not allowed
> in a BIT declaration.

Yup, you're right.

> I'd like to suggest to allow for any expression that converts to positive
> integer.

Don't hold your breath.  This is not required by the SQL spec and it
seems much more difficult to implement than it's worth.

            regards, tom lane