Syntax error when trying to add columns to table in DBeaver (postgresql)

Question

I've tried this a few different ways but every time I get a syntax error when trying to add columns to a table.

I'm new to databases so it's probably something basic that I'm doing wrong, but I just don't see why this isn't working.

Any input would be appreciated.

P.S. at the end of the query line there is a ";"... You just can't see it in the screenshot.

So far I've tried changing "add columns" to "add column" and just "add" followed by the columns. I'm aware I can just use the GUI to copy columns in DBeaver but I'd rather get this SQL working.

Answer 1

According to Postgres docs the correct syntax is:

ALTER TABLE <your_table>
    ADD COLUMN <column name> <column type>,
    ADD COLUMN <column name> <column type>,
    ADD COLUMN <column name> <column type>;

Have a look at Postgres tutorials on PostgreSQL ADD COLUMN: Add One Or More Columns To a Table.

I've set up a minimal example that reproduces your error:

CREATE TABLE newtable (id int);

ALTER TABLE newtable
    ADD COLUMNS f1 float8, f2 int; 

ERROR: syntax error at or near "float8"
LINE 2: ADD COLUMNS f1 float8, f2 int; ^

ALTER TABLE newtable
    ADD COLUMN f1 float8, f2 int, f3 text;

ERROR: syntax error at or near "f2"
LINE 2: ADD COLUMN f1 float8, f2 int, f3 text;

Using the correct syntax:

ALTER TABLE newtable
    ADD COLUMN f1 float8,
    ADD COLUMN f2 int,
    ADD COLUMN f3 text;
✓

db<>fiddle here