{"kind": "psql", "major": "18", "item": {"slug": "cmd-65-64-69-74", "name": "\\edit", "name_zh": "", "category": "Query buffer and editing", "summary": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.", "aliases": ["\\edit"], "content_hash": "3c092ac85129d53b1366be3ca51f60ce384462eb9632d3662937e60d7656c0c8", "versions": {"10": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 10.23"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=10", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=10", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=10", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=10", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v10.23/postgresql-10.23.tar.bz2", "label": "10.23", "major": "10", "channel": "historical", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/10/postgresql-10-A4.pdf", "bytes": 12631706, "pages": 2591, "sha256": "34497ab9efb45c5bdf1bd11b9016b5451354feb462fa029cf74557a5fa5fbbc1", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/10/postgresql-10-US.pdf", "bytes": 12531684, "pages": 2724, "sha256": "429cc7133ddf4f97c560aa466dc9caea4b718721a8321e293357037cf0af4733", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "10", "index": "index.html", "major": "10", "pages": 1085, "release": "10.23", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v10.23/postgresql-10.23.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 0, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "94a4b2528372458e5662c18d406629266667c437198160a18cdfd2c4a4d6eee9"}, "revision": "f9301feba91e2e2566038a36b8cee0e4402db68989538f88670fddd20b1f78ea", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "94a4b2528372458e5662c18d406629266667c437198160a18cdfd2c4a4d6eee9"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/10/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "10.23 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "sha256": "9e11fe3148cb8c085808f632ed972aa4514332a67758a083a080169101eeb7a4"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed. Whatever remains will wait in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed. Whatever remains will wait in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "7203f4d2276f00c0ba94f05759150445017d7c5ef669a46c417499ffbb20f661"}, "11": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 11.22"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=11", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=11", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=11", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=11", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v11.22/postgresql-11.22.tar.bz2", "label": "11.22", "major": "11", "channel": "historical", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/11/postgresql-11-A4.pdf", "bytes": 13057499, "pages": 2732, "sha256": "41d75855e610d0d9b8802b87dc5b080bef8d7e91c7cf69401fbf8d3cf801b4b5", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/11/postgresql-11-US.pdf", "bytes": 12961189, "pages": 2883, "sha256": "6a8899ef36935a5b7ed2b436207564a567a4ef1eb1c2200195876b8de4d4fa30", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "11", "index": "index.html", "major": "11", "pages": 1125, "release": "11.22", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v11.22/postgresql-11.22.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 0, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "2cb7c97d7a0d7278851bbc9c61f467b69c094c72b81740b751108e7892ebe1f0"}, "revision": "53315ddaf3b3f9e6669fd1edc096bbb2cd4a65ea3e836c89e542b43af9ba3a7f", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "2cb7c97d7a0d7278851bbc9c61f467b69c094c72b81740b751108e7892ebe1f0"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/11/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "11.22 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "sha256": "32c4d489e91e59715de2f7c3264fcccab3dd1eca54673dbfeac61304b0c54d4d"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed. Whatever remains will wait in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed. Whatever remains will wait in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "7203f4d2276f00c0ba94f05759150445017d7c5ef669a46c417499ffbb20f661"}, "12": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 12.22"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=12", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=12", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=12", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=12", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v12.22/postgresql-12.22.tar.bz2", "label": "12.22", "major": "12", "channel": "historical", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/12/postgresql-12-A4.pdf", "bytes": 13424351, "pages": 2803, "sha256": "7422cf53fd1939e7a3d2925231a88b0330e468afa5393627cac0ff86158a0621", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/12/postgresql-12-US.pdf", "bytes": 13322565, "pages": 2958, "sha256": "51f3b04e72907fc38512685946223452ea65f84419c60c66241dfa3396035e77", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "12", "index": "index.html", "major": "12", "pages": 1131, "release": "12.22", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v12.22/postgresql-12.22.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 2, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "8df3c0474782589d3c6f374b5133b1bd14d168086edbc13c6e72e67dd4527a3b"}, "revision": "7a827e97cbfacd7febff75f34443e2043e40723de5b6d8c9d81a9430b65a37e4", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "8df3c0474782589d3c6f374b5133b1bd14d168086edbc13c6e72e67dd4527a3b"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/12/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "12.22 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "sha256": "a5cec5a456a98610e98d1f1959d96ce57c8413bb392f0f5d6720fc561bb63627"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed. Whatever remains will wait in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed. Whatever remains will wait in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "7203f4d2276f00c0ba94f05759150445017d7c5ef669a46c417499ffbb20f661"}, "13": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 13.23"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=13", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=13", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=13", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=13", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v13.23/postgresql-13.23.tar.bz2", "label": "13.23", "major": "13", "channel": "historical", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/13/postgresql-13-A4.pdf", "bytes": 13843239, "pages": 2826, "sha256": "171cc09f90936dbc1cbd503a98ff07ae72ea58ab9771ff051313f1217737799c", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/13/postgresql-13-US.pdf", "bytes": 13739572, "pages": 2984, "sha256": "48d09c6e197d9db4220f41afe83efe848a8661b1b168d3b89419751ecaf6c24d", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "13", "index": "index.html", "major": "13", "pages": 1139, "release": "13.23", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v13.23/postgresql-13.23.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "6ec3c82726af92b7dec873fa1cdf881eca92a4219787dfad05acb6b10e041fd6"}, "revision": "614ee3133270254e476c118cdf6f72af78d4e4b8bbd9b28ed9ab1e14e4e9c0f6", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "6ec3c82726af92b7dec873fa1cdf881eca92a4219787dfad05acb6b10e041fd6"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/13/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "13.23 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "sha256": "30347083b7a58da020d968643e2479d2dfb534191d4493d454603ca53db151b0"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. The new contents of the query buffer are then re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "6b6571934836f43934b7e89a12fc634bea022a74120e855fa584fd8186a405fa"}, "14": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 14.24"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=14", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=14", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=14", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=14", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v14.24/postgresql-14.24.tar.bz2", "label": "14.24", "major": "14", "channel": "stable", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/14/postgresql-14-A4.pdf", "bytes": 14354704, "pages": 2944, "sha256": "8bc6b9dd7b246888bb77f0a5e8c39a2eae52e9926569832669c7d1600becb27c", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/14/postgresql-14-US.pdf", "bytes": 14242178, "pages": 3102, "sha256": "b7ecb5a5f62d8b9f73a69e25a7d26ba285373bc53168a553bff7b77955506db4", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "14", "index": "index.html", "major": "14", "pages": 1158, "release": "14.24", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v14.24/postgresql-14.24.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "a7fa7ed3d558172355f51406097a7bd4f6b473be80f311ef7cda96bf383d8897"}, "revision": "588700d46356d8837c77c7c0a4e71e645fe6535983b8f1830aa8f2e4e41c40ae", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "a7fa7ed3d558172355f51406097a7bd4f6b473be80f311ef7cda96bf383d8897"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/14/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "14.24 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "sha256": "8da20abaee171c53c05658cfb2580dea645070f40bad6b46a845d710ad74c3ae"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}, "15": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 15.19"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=15", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=15", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=15", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=15", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v15.19/postgresql-15.19.tar.bz2", "label": "15.19", "major": "15", "channel": "stable", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/15/postgresql-15-A4.pdf", "bytes": 14609140, "pages": 2987, "sha256": "66228564a4d16efb47d6a914085716ecfe22ca1566db56bc7c3d82f790646d72", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/15/postgresql-15-US.pdf", "bytes": 14495690, "pages": 3153, "sha256": "645a498c2390d47a6223ec74770631185807a19c484edb0fc5a295d9f460bc02", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "15", "index": "index.html", "major": "15", "pages": 1168, "release": "15.19", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v15.19/postgresql-15.19.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "e1a64a87a46b825b88c082e4518161a47aab53c45694964f8ba1df28f7859f89"}, "revision": "6af958c6520151fc7697d56e0616b03fb00522c4568158674d452ae0644ba545", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "e1a64a87a46b825b88c082e4518161a47aab53c45694964f8ba1df28f7859f89"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/15/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "15.19 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "sha256": "cb07228edb4914a53530afca316fd700a250cc062af2d5a74d24add93afbd0c8"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMANDS", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}, "16": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 16.15"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=16", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=16", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=16", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=16", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v16.15/postgresql-16.15.tar.bz2", "label": "16.15", "major": "16", "channel": "stable", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/16/postgresql-16-A4.pdf", "bytes": 15282337, "pages": 3055, "sha256": "4bb6c1f63deedac98736d8c4c7bc0fad0ac24e85b07e21ee10411872f06afd06", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/16/postgresql-16-US.pdf", "bytes": 15164148, "pages": 3220, "sha256": "5b6b6166c89991199e144bb0ae34c17a5f29826251dbf19db1abc0df3a3e771b", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "16", "index": "index.html", "major": "16", "pages": 1169, "release": "16.15", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v16.15/postgresql-16.15.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en HTML verified against the pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "c1575341fa7bd40f5274ea465b34390f4dc64cdd0770af327005caaeb9f6b7ed"}, "revision": "3c21e58b35318021716440e67bb8bafd392b6a2b965a244d90e9e33c99e0bdef", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "c1575341fa7bd40f5274ea465b34390f4dc64cdd0770af327005caaeb9f6b7ed"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/16/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "16.15 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "sha256": "add25957a1dfc97db721f2958782be186ab90dc0f0a47c4b720b2b6c26172493"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}, "17": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 17.11"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=17", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=17", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=17", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=17", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v17.11/postgresql-17.11.tar.bz2", "label": "17.11", "major": "17", "channel": "stable", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/17/postgresql-17-A4.pdf", "bytes": 15521293, "pages": 3099, "sha256": "1991354df0dc89e70ec39328c28988ef8b19c6a93671dab3893650b63e9f4e36", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/17/postgresql-17-US.pdf", "bytes": 15398150, "pages": 3270, "sha256": "07696c8f38abf31babf22d2db337093936e7c472d2af36d050b000c49bbcf52c", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "17", "index": "index.html", "major": "17", "pages": 1143, "release": "17.11", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v17.11/postgresql-17.11.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en SGML built with pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "dd27f2b3c59e73ed14aa3324901242bf69a032a6347805f274e6260322d42979"}, "revision": "58419c9b0dd42cb34c8d53695bb025a7e582edf55ccd4c5bcb1c2c7c71a37487", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "dd27f2b3c59e73ed14aa3324901242bf69a032a6347805f274e6260322d42979"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/17/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "17.11 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "sha256": "04c77661f1c96a64e91a27313542c34aff0c7d2a94e350ed98c6f9f35700629b"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}, "18": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 18.6"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=18", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=18", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=18", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=18", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v18.6/postgresql-18.6.tar.bz2", "label": "18.6", "major": "18", "channel": "stable", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/18/postgresql-18-A4.pdf", "bytes": 15865106, "pages": 3154, "sha256": "19512c405da53f9f7fcf0abba359223aa65f021be025bf3411381918f92e3190", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/18/postgresql-18-US.pdf", "bytes": 15748059, "pages": 3328, "sha256": "facbe6c229e598b872d3d98bef53308f46e06746006fa4590de9a7de9dd46319", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "18", "index": "index.html", "major": "18", "pages": 1148, "release": "18.6", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v18.6/postgresql-18.6.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en SGML built with pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "555610c24d53e4316da5b7d3fc25c279d96856d5e0e23ee308c328c5fa881d9f"}, "revision": "ee8d1a3612338fd9adf250730cb640fcc5233b5491337cc00a316a44e3a0b9f8", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "555610c24d53e4316da5b7d3fc25c279d96856d5e0e23ee308c328c5fa881d9f"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/18/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "18.6 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "sha256": "fa2a1d39294b8854318e82e93f71272c645ed88150ecc2786c28902c3f32782c"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}, "19": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 19beta4"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=19", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=19", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=19", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=19", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v19beta4/postgresql-19beta4.tar.bz2", "label": "19beta4", "major": "19", "channel": "preview", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/19/postgresql-19-A4.pdf", "bytes": 16064841, "pages": 3052, "sha256": "4dd099e4125c591128fc5f3ebd02178dc24781f9e5ae629f96d67c4c8547427b", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/19/postgresql-19-US.pdf", "bytes": 15974616, "pages": 3225, "sha256": "61971fa857f0956d47341a0388fa6af9ae10acf691d4b2fc009007d384b0342b", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "19", "index": "index.html", "major": "19", "pages": 1155, "release": "19beta4", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v19beta4/postgresql-19beta4.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 5, "source_mode": "en SGML built with pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "83157ee9c599d03b2f7a3d73ef3a56ec24e0e79cc2b3501a64d1364f56398c86"}, "revision": "1bbbbf4133d426f0e4304010688d2984c30fb67df0cc3a61b3e37eb3f6f37833", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "83157ee9c599d03b2f7a3d73ef3a56ec24e0e79cc2b3501a64d1364f56398c86"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/19/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "19beta4 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "sha256": "312975c12d6e4d62aeebcb5e98e7ca795c6d07ecb743b4bc64403dc42bc2a6e9"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}, "20": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 20devel"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=20", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=20", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=20", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=20", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/snapshot/dev/postgresql-snapshot.tar.bz2", "label": "20devel", "major": "20", "channel": "devel", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/20/postgresql-20-A4.pdf", "bytes": 16030631, "pages": 3052, "sha256": "bd5d82c0ce38fc18f92a0447818a91a193a261776bca1c37564bf9a683e177d0", "built_at": "2026-09-28"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/20/postgresql-20-US.pdf", "bytes": 15936613, "pages": 3223, "sha256": "d97d9e0db479a02f4234b175f50fcad70c3661619afc8d6df9b9437882e3c299", "built_at": "2026-09-28"}}, "tree": "0", "index": "index.html", "major": "20", "pages": 1156, "release": "20devel", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/snapshot/dev/postgresql-snapshot.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 6, "source_mode": "en SGML built with pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "4d3346909b201ac1648232cf290462a7070c119326f56196f1f0253ed80fae41", "source_snapshot_utc": "26-Sep-2026 20:22"}, "revision": "2eba5e0fd4c3bffb2803247b6cd537878e9d6ee5a6dfbe3c50ece8b421b80918", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "4d3346909b201ac1648232cf290462a7070c119326f56196f1f0253ed80fae41"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/devel/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "20devel English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "sha256": "6df5f6fbaff7800ae0e4a08a3116090d890a0cdcc02fddc31c1f220725905f87"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
", "manual_path": "app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "definition": "If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion. If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql , treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer. Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.) If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "e303b6844ac736d7117466f7677fbe61c04f8c3e4e150ada2302950be1c4ad4d"}}}, "snapshot": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 18.6"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\edit"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=18", "text": "\\e"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}, {"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-64-69-74/?v=18", "text": "\\edit"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\edit", "related": [{"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65/?v=18", "label": "\\e"}, {"url": "/wiki/tool/psql/?v=18", "label": "psql command-line options and complete manual"}], "release": {"ref": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v18.6/postgresql-18.6.tar.bz2", "label": "18.6", "major": "18", "channel": "stable", "manifest": {"pdf": {"A4": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/18/postgresql-18-A4.pdf", "bytes": 15865106, "pages": 3154, "sha256": "19512c405da53f9f7fcf0abba359223aa65f021be025bf3411381918f92e3190", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}, "US": {"url": "/files/documentation/pdf/18/postgresql-18-US.pdf", "bytes": 15748059, "pages": 3328, "sha256": "facbe6c229e598b872d3d98bef53308f46e06746006fa4590de9a7de9dd46319", "built_at": "2026-09-26"}}, "tree": "18", "index": "index.html", "major": "18", "pages": 1148, "release": "18.6", "source_url": "https://ftp.postgresql.org/pub/source/v18.6/postgresql-18.6.tar.bz2", "svg_assets": 3, "source_mode": "en SGML built with pinned official archive", "source_sha256": "555610c24d53e4316da5b7d3fc25c279d96856d5e0e23ee308c328c5fa881d9f"}, "revision": "ee8d1a3612338fd9adf250730cb640fcc5233b5491337cc00a316a44e3a0b9f8", "evidence_kind": "English manual and source declarations", "source_sha256": "555610c24d53e4316da5b7d3fc25c279d96856d5e0e23ee308c328c5fa881d9f"}, "sources": [{"url": "/docs/18/app-psql.html#APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "18.6 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EDIT", "sha256": "fa2a1d39294b8854318e82e93f71272c645ed88150ecc2786c28902c3f32782c"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]", "spellings": ["\\e", "\\edit"], "description": ["If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion."], "manual_html": "
\\e or \\edit [ filename ] [ line_number ]
\n

If filename is specified, the file is edited; after the editor exits, the file's content is copied into the current query buffer. If no filename is given, the current query buffer is copied to a temporary file which is then edited in the same fashion. Or, if the current query buffer is empty, the most recently executed query is copied to a temporary file and edited in the same fashion.

\n

If you edit a file or the previous query, and you quit the editor without modifying the file, the query buffer is cleared. Otherwise, the new contents of the query buffer are re-parsed according to the normal rules of psql, treating the whole buffer as a single line. Any complete queries are immediately executed; that is, if the query buffer contains or ends with a semicolon, everything up to that point is executed and removed from the query buffer. Whatever remains in the query buffer is redisplayed. Type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel it by clearing the query buffer.

\n

Treating the buffer as a single line primarily affects meta-commands: whatever is in the buffer after a meta-command will be taken as argument(s) to the meta-command, even if it spans multiple lines. (Thus you cannot make meta-command-using scripts this way. Use \\i for that.)

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the file or query buffer. Note that if a single all-digits argument is given, psql assumes it is a line number, not a file name.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

See Environment, below, for how to configure and customize your editor.

\n
\n
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