Why Does `(func()).*` in PostgreSQL Cause Multiple Function Evaluations?

*PostgreSQL Performance Issue: The `(func()).` Syntax and Redundant Function Calls**

This article examines a performance problem in PostgreSQL related to the (func()).* syntax when used with functions returning composite types or sets. The original observation, shown in the query below, highlights the unexpected behavior:

SELECT (func(3)).*; -- Leads to multiple function calls

The Problem: Excessive Function Evaluations

The core issue is that (func()).* triggers a separate function call for each column in the function's output. A function returning four columns, for example, might result in eight function calls instead of the anticipated two. This contrasts sharply with alternative syntax, such as:

SELECT N, func(N); -- More efficient approach

Solution: Efficient Query Rewriting

To circumvent the excessive calls, a subquery provides a workaround. While generally effective, this isn't a perfect solution and might introduce other performance considerations.

For PostgreSQL 9.3 and later, the LATERAL keyword offers a superior solution:

SELECT mf.*
FROM some_table
LEFT JOIN LATERAL my_func(some_table.x) AS mf ON true;

Root Cause: PostgreSQL Parser Behavior

The root cause lies in how PostgreSQL's parser handles the * wildcard within the (func()).* construct. The wildcard expansion into individual columns during parsing is the source of the redundant function calls.

Performance Benchmark and Demonstration

A custom function example demonstrates the performance discrepancy between the problematic syntax and the suggested workarounds. Tests show that the subquery approach (or a CTE) offers significant performance improvements.

Conclusion: Optimizing Queries in PostgreSQL

While the multiple function call issue with (func()).* remains a known behavior, the workarounds, especially using LATERAL (PostgreSQL 9.3 ), provide effective strategies for developers to optimize query performance and reduce unnecessary function evaluations.

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