Error
Error Code:
1280
MariaDB Error 1280: Invalid Index Name Specified
Description
This MariaDB error indicates that a SQL statement, such as `ALTER TABLE`, `DROP INDEX`, or `RENAME INDEX`, referenced an index name that is either non-existent on the specified table or syntactically incorrect. It prevents the schema modification operation from completing successfully.
Error Message
Incorrect index name '%s'
Known Causes
4 known causesIndex Does Not Exist
The SQL statement attempted to reference an index name that has not been created on the specified table.
Typographical Error or Mismatch
A spelling mistake or incorrect casing in the index name was provided, preventing the database from finding the intended index.
Index on Wrong Table
The index name exists, but it belongs to a different table than the one specified in the SQL command.
Invalid Name Syntax
The provided index name contains illegal characters, is a reserved keyword, or violates MariaDB's naming conventions.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Correcting a Typo in an Index Name easy
Identify and fix a misspelled index name in your SQL statement.
1
Carefully review the SQL statement that is causing the error. The error message `Incorrect index name '%s'` will often include the problematic index name. Look for any typos or misspellings in the index name you are referencing.
2
If you find a typo, correct it in your SQL statement. For example, if you intended to use `idx_user_id` but accidentally typed `idx_usre_id`, change it to the correct name.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name ADD INDEX idx_user_id (user_id);3
Re-execute the corrected SQL statement.
2. Verifying Existing Index Names medium
Check the actual index names defined on the table to ensure accuracy.
1
Connect to your MariaDB database using a client like the `mysql` command-line tool or a GUI client.
2
Execute the `SHOW INDEX FROM` statement for the table in question to list all its indexes and their exact names.
SHOW INDEX FROM your_table_name;3
Compare the index names listed in the output with the index name used in your SQL statement. Ensure they match exactly, including case sensitivity if your operating system or MariaDB configuration enforces it.
4
If a mismatch is found, correct your SQL statement to use the exact index name from the `SHOW INDEX` output.
3. Dropping and Recreating an Index medium
If the index name is correct but the index itself is problematic, recreate it with a valid name.
1
First, verify the index name using `SHOW INDEX FROM your_table_name;` to confirm it exists and to get its exact name.
SHOW INDEX FROM your_table_name;2
If the index name appears correct, but you suspect corruption or an issue with its definition, you can drop and recreate it. Be cautious as this can briefly impact performance.
DROP INDEX your_index_name ON your_table_name;3
Recreate the index with a clear and valid name. Ensure the new name follows MariaDB's naming conventions (e.g., alphanumeric characters, underscores, and not exceeding the maximum length).
CREATE INDEX new_valid_index_name ON your_table_name (column1, column2);4
Update any application code or queries that reference the old index name to use `new_valid_index_name`.
4. Checking for Reserved Keywords and Naming Conventions medium
Ensure the index name is not a MariaDB reserved keyword and adheres to naming rules.
1
Consult the MariaDB documentation for a list of reserved keywords. Index names cannot be the same as these keywords.
2
Ensure your index name adheres to MariaDB's identifier naming rules. Generally, names can contain alphanumeric characters and underscores. Avoid special characters that might require quoting.
3
If your index name is a reserved keyword or contains invalid characters, rename the index. You can do this by dropping and recreating it with a valid name, as described in the 'Dropping and Recreating an Index' solution.
RENAME INDEX old_index_name TO new_index_name ON your_table_name;4
Remember to update any references to the old index name in your application code or SQL queries.