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Description

This error signifies that you attempted to create a database using a name that already exists on the MariaDB server. It typically occurs when a `CREATE DATABASE` statement is executed without first verifying the database's existence, leading to a naming conflict.

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Error Message

Can't create database '%s'; database exists

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Manual Duplicate Database Creation

A user manually executed a `CREATE DATABASE` command with a name that is already present on the server.

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Script Rerun Without Checks

An installation script, migration tool, or application re-attempted to create a database that was already set up in a previous run.

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Typographical Error or Misconfiguration

The database name specified in a script or command might be incorrect, inadvertently matching an existing database.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Use IF NOT EXISTS Clause easy

Prevent error by checking existence first

1

Use CREATE DATABASE with IF NOT EXISTS

CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS my_database;

2

This is the recommended approach for scripts

-- Safe for repeated execution
CREATE DATABASE IF NOT EXISTS app_production
    CHARACTER SET utf8mb4
    COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

2. Check Existing Databases First easy

List databases before creating

1

List all existing databases

SHOW DATABASES;

2

Check if specific database exists

SHOW DATABASES LIKE 'my_database';

3

In a script, check programmatically

SELECT SCHEMA_NAME FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.SCHEMATA
WHERE SCHEMA_NAME = 'my_database';

3. Drop and Recreate Database medium

Remove existing database to create fresh one

1

Drop the existing database (WARNING: destroys all data)

DROP DATABASE my_database;

2

Create the database fresh

CREATE DATABASE my_database
    CHARACTER SET utf8mb4
    COLLATE utf8mb4_unicode_ci;

3

For scripts, use DROP IF EXISTS first

DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS my_database;
CREATE DATABASE my_database;

4. Use Different Database Name easy

Choose a unique name for your new database

1

List existing databases to find available name

SHOW DATABASES;

2

Create with a unique name

-- Add version or date suffix
CREATE DATABASE my_database_v2;
CREATE DATABASE my_database_2026;

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MariaDB Error 1007: Database Already Exists