Cannot drop PostgreSQL role. Error: `cannot be dropped because some objects depend on it`

sql

best-practices

database-management

postgresql

byAlex Kataev·Dec 29, 2024

To eliminate a PostgreSQL role with dependencies, use REASSIGN OWNED to transfer ownership to another role, or DROP OWNED to annihilate dependencies before dropping the role:

-- Reassign ownership and drop role, like a day trader unloading a bad stock
REASSIGN OWNED BY old_role TO new_owner;
DROP ROLE old_role;

-- Or, drop all dependent objects and the role, like a hot potato
DROP OWNED BY old_role CASCADE;
DROP ROLE old_role;

Use CASCADE with caution, it wipes out all dependent objects without asking for your opinion.

The simple life: avoiding role transfer

Why complicate life with role transfers? If eradicating all dependent objects doesn't break your heart (or your database), you can skip REASSIGN OWNED and go straight to the DROP OWNED destruction.

The clean break: revoke privileges

Like ending a bad romance, before you drop a role, revoke all privileges. This ensures your ex-role can’t linger around causing trouble:

-- severing all ties with ryan, no access, no problems
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON ALL TABLES IN SCHEMA public FROM ryan;
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON ALL SEQUENCES IN SCHEMA public FROM ryan;
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON ALL FUNCTIONS IN SCHEMA public FROM ryan;

And to be extra sure:

-- cut ryan off from the entire database, like blocking on social media
REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE mydatabase FROM ryan;

No orphaned objects: conduct a thorough cleanup

Keep your databases tidy! Like a forensic clean-up crew, make sure to scan the whole database for any objects that could be orphaned and redelegate their ownership.

AWS Special Restrictions: check the fine print

If you’re on AWS RDS or Aurora keep an eye out for the extra access rules and regulations or you could find yourself in a legal pickle.

Fixing stubborn dependencies in template databases

Persistent dependencies are like that gum stain on your favorite jeans. A fresh template1 database may be the wash cycle you need. Use only in case of stubborn stains!

Psql as your personal tool

Why go elsewhere if you can use psql command line utility? It’s like having a personal conversation with your PostgreSQL server.

Play it smart: order of operations

Have a game plan. Strategize the sequence for revocation, reassignment, and deletion actions for a clean operation, and to avoid falling into an error pit.

The hidden layer: non-physical dependencies

Roles can be like undercover spies, owning non-physical objects. Use your detective skills to identify and sweep these objects, a sloppy clean-up can lead to disastrous consequences.

Break ties: end active connections

Roles can be clingy! Make sure to terminate connections before dropping them, or they could block your DROP ROLE command:

SELECT pg_terminate_backend(pid)
FROM pg_stat_activity
WHERE rolname = 'old_role'; -- this is like the "we need to talk" text

Save your breath: scripting drop operations

Repeating yourself is so last year. Automate the series of steps from revoking privileges to dropping roles. This streamlines the process, which is handy in large-scale environments.

explain-codes / Sql / Cannot drop PostgreSQL role. Error: `cannot be dropped because some objects depend on it`

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