Update column in multiple tables

Question

Let's say I have a column called partner in multiple tables within one schema:

select table_name from information_schema.columns where column_name = 'partner';

How would I update all columns where value partner = 100 to partner = 101?

Answer 1

For a one-time operation, a DO statement executing dynamic SQL should serve just fine:

DO
$do$
DECLARE
   _tbl text;
BEGIN
FOR _tbl  IN
    SELECT quote_ident(table_name)  -- escape identifier!
    FROM   information_schema.columns
    WHERE  table_schema = 'public'  -- your schema (!!)
    AND    column_name = 'partner'  -- your column name
LOOP
   RAISE NOTICE '%',
-- EXECUTE
  'UPDATE ' || _tbl || ' SET partner = 101 WHERE partner = 100';
END LOOP;
END
$do$

Inspect the generated code before you comment RAISE and uncomment the EXECUTE.

This is a largely simplified version of the more versatile function in this related answer with more explanation:

• Changing all zeros (if any) across all columns (in a table) to... say 1

Information schema or system catalog?

• How to check if a table exists in a given schema