Recursive PLPGSQL function?

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to write a recursive plpgsql function in PostgreSQL 7.4.2
that given a tree node id (ictid) will return all the nodes below it in
the tree, one row per node. When I try and execute the function I get
the following error message:

CONTEXT:  PL/pgSQL function "findsubcategories" line 15 at for over
select rows
PL/pgSQL function "findsubcategories" line 15 at for over select rows
PL/pgSQL function "findsubcategories" line 15 at for over select rows
PL/pgSQL function "findsubcategories" line 15 at for over select rows
...repeated many many times...


Can anyone see where I am going wrong in my function? I found a
reference to "for over select rows" in pl_funcs.c but it appears to be
denoting a statement type? The code is given below:


CREATE OR REPLACE FUNCTION plpgsql.findsubcategories(int8) RETURNS SETOF
inventory.cattree AS '
DECLARE
    _row inventory.cattree%ROWTYPE;
    _nrow inventory.cattree%ROWTYPE;
    _id ALIAS FOR $1;

BEGIN
    -- Select the starting tree entry
    FOR _row IN SELECT * FROM inventory.cattree WHERE parentictid =
_id LOOP

        -- Return this category
        RETURN NEXT _row;

        -- Recurse for each child function
        FOR _nrow IN SELECT * FROM
plpgsql.findsubcategories(_row.parentictid) LOOP
            RETURN NEXT _nrow;
        END LOOP;

    END LOOP;

    -- Return the entire set
    RETURN;
END
' LANGUAGE 'plpgsql';


If this is not possible, can anyone else suggest a way of getting the
required result?


Many thanks,

Mark.

---

Mark Cave-Ayland
Webbased Ltd.
Tamar Science Park
Derriford
Plymouth
PL6 8BX
England

Tel: +44 (0)1752 764445
Fax: +44 (0)1752 764446


This email and any attachments are confidential to the intended
recipient and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended
recipient please delete it from your system and notify the sender. You
should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose or distribute
its contents to any other person.