Informix Error -8368: Function <funcname> Buffer size exceeds maximum size </funcname>

Cause and resolution

Function <funcname> Buffer size exceeds maximum size </funcname>

Explanation:The output of <funcname> must be less than 32739 bytes. Action:If the combined size of output records exceeds 32739 bytes, one need to use a clob function. </funcname>

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-8368 fires when the output of the named function would exceed 32739 bytes — per the official guidance.

The combined size of the function's output records exceeds 32739 bytes, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Use a CLOB function instead, per the official guidance, when the combined output size exceeds 32739 bytes.

Examples

Output exceeding the buffer limit

SELECT extractvalue(col, '/root/bigfield') FROM tab;
-- -8368: matched value exceeds 32739 bytes

Corrected — using a CLOB-returning variant

SELECT extractvalueclob(col, '/root/bigfield') FROM tab;

Diagnostic Checks

Check the size of the matched/output value, and switch to a CLOB function if it exceeds 32739 bytes.

Related Errors / Related Topics

No closely related error codes are cross-referenced for -8368 in this set yet.

The function's output exceeded the 32739-byte non-CLOB limit — use a CLOB function for larger output.