{"kind": "psql", "major": "18", "item": {"slug": "cmd-65-66", "name": "\\ef", "name_zh": "", "category": "Query buffer and editing", "summary": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.", "aliases": ["\\ef"], "content_hash": "e85efd9f6cfc1ed1009674aaceae2b5841ab9733ba3a31905809f813e60f3574", "versions": {"10": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 10.23"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=10", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "260a48200affa3a517351b27958343b42b7784eccf961665afe784575e586343"}, "11": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 11.22"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=11", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "cbe92f1867f3b0aa64a21f7f6c46e7acbd5acc88e0e35cb74f88f46308ea44ad"}, "12": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 12.22"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=12", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "cbe92f1867f3b0aa64a21f7f6c46e7acbd5acc88e0e35cb74f88f46308ea44ad"}, "13": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 13.23"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=13", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. After the editor exits, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "b500bea99a48c1b4640f98e5d787d09ed2e226d8c6568371f1ce802aac49e39c"}, "14": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 14.24"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=14", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}, "15": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 15.19"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=15", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}, "16": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 16.15"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=16", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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-EF", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "16.15 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EF", "sha256": "add25957a1dfc97db721f2958782be186ab90dc0f0a47c4b720b2b6c26172493"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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-EF", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}, "17": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 17.11"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=17", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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-EF", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "17.11 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EF", "sha256": "04c77661f1c96a64e91a27313542c34aff0c7d2a94e350ed98c6f9f35700629b"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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-EF", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}, "18": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 18.6"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=18", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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-EF", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "18.6 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EF", "sha256": "fa2a1d39294b8854318e82e93f71272c645ed88150ecc2786c28902c3f32782c"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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-EF", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}, "19": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 19beta4"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=19", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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-EF", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "19beta4 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EF", "sha256": "312975c12d6e4d62aeebcb5e98e7ca795c6d07ecb743b4bc64403dc42bc2a6e9"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\n
\n

Tip

\n

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

\n
\n
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\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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-EF", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}}}, "snapshot": {"facts": [{"label": "Client", "value": "psql 18.6"}, {"label": "Case-sensitive spelling", "value": "\\ef"}], "tables": [{"key": "spellings", "rows": [{"command": {"url": "/wiki/psql/cmd-65-66/?v=18", "text": "\\ef"}, "modifiers": "None listed in this signature"}], "title": "Spellings in this manual definition", "columns": [{"key": "command", "label": "Command"}, {"key": "modifiers", "label": "Documented suffix modifiers"}]}], "command": "\\ef", "related": [{"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-EF", "file": "app-psql.html", "label": "18.6 English manual \u00b7 app-psql.html", "anchor": "APP-PSQL-META-COMMAND-EF", "sha256": "fa2a1d39294b8854318e82e93f71272c645ed88150ecc2786c28902c3f32782c"}], "sections": [], "modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "description": ["This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel."], "manual_html": "
\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]
\n

This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit. If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel.

\n

The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text). The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name.

\n

If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing.

\n

If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.)

\n

Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef, and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments.

\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-EF", "comparison_data": {"modifiers": [], "signature": "\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]", "spellings": ["\\ef"], "definition": "This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\edit . If you quit the editor without saving, the statement is discarded. If you save and exit the editor, the updated command is executed immediately if you added a semicolon to it. Otherwise it is redisplayed; type semicolon or \\g to send it, or \\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See Environment , below, for how to configure and customize your editor."}, "comparison_hash": "c6f53578cbd03f42a5ee2d84af67e951894977f92c34d928eb87890b8e81638e"}, "comparison": {"left": "10", "right": "11", "status": "changed", "diff": "--- PostgreSQL 10\n+++ PostgreSQL 11\n@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@\n {\n- \"definition\": \"This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\\\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\\\g to send it, or \\\\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\\\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor.\",\n+ \"definition\": \"This command fetches and edits the definition of the named function or procedure, in the form of a CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION or CREATE OR REPLACE PROCEDURE command. Editing is done in the same way as for \\\\edit . After the editor exits, the updated command waits in the query buffer; type semicolon or \\\\g to send it, or \\\\r to cancel. The target function can be specified by name alone, or by name and arguments, for example foo(integer, text) . The argument types must be given if there is more than one function of the same name. If no function is specified, a blank CREATE FUNCTION template is presented for editing. If a line number is specified, psql will position the cursor on the specified line of the function body. (Note that the function body typically does not begin on the first line of the file.) Unlike most other meta-commands, the entire remainder of the line is always taken to be the argument(s) of \\\\ef , and neither variable interpolation nor backquote expansion are performed in the arguments. Tip See under Environment for how to configure and customize your editor.\",\n \"modifiers\": [],\n \"signature\": \"\\\\ef [ function_description [ line_number ] ]\",\n \"spellings\": ["}}