Error
Error Code:
1059
MariaDB Error 1059: Identifier name too long
Description
This error occurs when you attempt to create or modify a database object (such as a table, column, index, view, or stored routine) with a name that exceeds MariaDB's maximum allowed length for identifiers. It prevents the successful execution of the SQL statement that defines or alters the object.
Error Message
Identifier name '%s' is too long
Known Causes
4 known causesTable or Column Name Exceeds Limit
Attempting to create or alter a table or column with a name that is longer than the maximum allowed characters (typically 64 characters).
Index or Constraint Name Too Long
Defining an index, primary key, foreign key, or unique constraint with a name that surpasses the database's length restriction for such identifiers.
Database or View Name Too Long
Creating a new database or view with a name that exceeds the maximum identifier length, which is usually 64 characters.
Stored Routine or Trigger Name Exceeds Limit
Naming a stored procedure, function, or trigger with a name that is longer than the system's maximum allowed length for these objects.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Shorten Object Names easy
Reduce the length of the problematic identifier.
1
Identify the specific identifier that is too long. The error message will usually provide this (e.g., '%s' in your case).
2
Rename the table, column, index, or other object to a shorter, meaningful name. Use `ALTER TABLE` for tables and their objects, or `CREATE TABLE` with shorter names if creating new objects.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name RENAME TO shorter_table_name;
ALTER TABLE your_table_name CHANGE COLUMN long_column_name shorter_column_name VARCHAR(255);
ALTER TABLE your_table_name ADD INDEX shorter_index_name (column1, column2);2. Review and Refactor Naming Conventions medium
Implement a consistent and concise naming strategy.
1
Analyze your database schema for excessively long object names. Look for patterns that lead to long identifiers (e.g., overly descriptive table names, redundant prefixes).
2
Establish a clear naming convention that prioritizes brevity while maintaining readability. Consider using abbreviations, acronyms, or a more structured approach to prefixes/suffixes.
3
Apply the new naming convention by renaming existing objects using `ALTER TABLE` statements. This might involve a systematic script to rename multiple objects.
SELECT CONCAT('ALTER TABLE ', table_name, ' RENAME TO ', 'new_', table_name, ';') FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name' AND LENGTH(table_name) > 60;
SELECT CONCAT('ALTER TABLE ', table_name, ' CHANGE COLUMN ', column_name, ' ', 'new_', column_name, ' ', data_type, ';') FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name' AND LENGTH(column_name) > 60;3. Check MariaDB Identifier Length Limits easy
Understand and work within MariaDB's identifier length constraints.
1
Be aware that MariaDB has a default maximum identifier length. This limit is typically 64 characters for most identifiers (tables, columns, indexes, etc.).
2
If you encounter this error, it means the identifier you are trying to create or use exceeds this limit. The solution is to reduce its length.
3
Consult the MariaDB documentation for the exact identifier length limits for your specific version, as they can sometimes be influenced by configuration parameters.