---
title: "SPI_copytuple"
id: spi-spi-copytuple
pg_version: "20devel"
---

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# SPI_copytuple — make a copy of a row in the upper executor context

## Synopsis

```
HeapTuple SPI_copytuple(HeapTuple row)
```

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## Description

`SPI_copytuple` makes a copy of a row in the upper executor context. This is normally used to return a modified row from a trigger. In a function declared to return a composite type, use `SPI_returntuple` instead. 

This function can only be used while connected to SPI. Otherwise, it returns NULL and sets `SPI_result` to `SPI_ERROR_UNCONNECTED`. 

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## Arguments

**`HeapTuple row`**

 row to be copied <a id="id-1.8.12.10.9.7"></a>

## Return Value

the copied row, or `NULL` on error (see `SPI_result` for an error indication)