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Description

This error occurs when an `INSERT` or `UPDATE` statement attempts to add or modify a row in a table, but a specific column, which is defined as `NOT NULL` and lacks an explicit `DEFAULT` value, is not provided with data. MariaDB cannot proceed with the operation because it requires a value for that mandatory field.

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Error Message

Field '%s' doesn't have a default value

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Omitted Column in INSERT Statement

An `INSERT` query failed to provide a value for a column that is defined as `NOT NULL` and does not have an explicit `DEFAULT` value in its table definition.

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Undefined Default in Schema

The table schema defines a column as `NOT NULL` but does not specify a `DEFAULT` value for it, making it mandatory to provide a value on insertion.

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Application Data Handling Error

The client application or script did not correctly gather or pass a value for a required field to the database query.

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Strict SQL Mode Enforcement

The MariaDB server's SQL mode (e.g., `STRICT_TRANS_TABLES`) is configured to strictly enforce `NOT NULL` constraints, disallowing implicit value assignments.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Add a Default Value to the Column easy

Modify the table schema to include a default value for the problematic column.

1

Identify the table and the specific field causing the error. The error message will usually tell you the field name. For example, if the error is 'Field 'email' doesn't have a default value', the field is 'email'.

SELECT table_name, column_name FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name' AND column_name = 'your_column_name';

2

Alter the table to add a `DEFAULT` clause to the specified column. Replace `'your_column_name'` with the actual column name and `DEFAULT 'some_value'` with an appropriate default value (e.g., `DEFAULT ''` for strings, `DEFAULT 0` for integers, `DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP` for timestamps).

ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name data_type DEFAULT 'your_default_value';

3

If the column is a timestamp and should default to the current time, use `CURRENT_TIMESTAMP`.

ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP;

2. Allow NULL Values for the Column easy

Modify the table schema to permit NULL values for the problematic column.

1

Identify the table and the specific field causing the error.

SELECT table_name, column_name FROM information_schema.columns WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name' AND column_name = 'your_column_name';

2

Alter the table to allow `NULL` values for the specified column. Replace `'your_column_name'` with the actual column name. If the column is already `NOT NULL`, this will change it.

ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name data_type NULL;

3. Provide a Value During INSERT or UPDATE medium

Ensure that every `INSERT` or `UPDATE` statement explicitly provides a value for the column.

1

Review your application's code that performs `INSERT` or `UPDATE` operations on the affected table. Ensure that the column identified in the error message is always included in the `INSERT` statement's column list and has a corresponding value in the `VALUES` clause, or is included in the `UPDATE` statement's `SET` clause.

-- Example of a problematic INSERT statement (if 'email' is NOT NULL and has no default):
-- INSERT INTO users (username, password) VALUES ('john_doe', 'secure_password');

-- Corrected INSERT statement:
INSERT INTO users (username, password, email) VALUES ('john_doe', 'secure_password', 'john.doe@example.com');

2

If you are using an ORM (Object-Relational Mapper) or a database abstraction layer, check its configuration and the way you are constructing your queries to ensure that the column is being populated.

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4. Modify Table Definition During Table Creation medium

If you are creating a new table or recreating an existing one, define the default value or allow NULLs at creation time.

1

When defining the `CREATE TABLE` statement, explicitly add a `DEFAULT` clause for columns that should have a default value, or remove the `NOT NULL` constraint to allow `NULL` values.

-- Example with a default value:
CREATE TABLE products (
    id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    name VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
    price DECIMAL(10, 2) DEFAULT 0.00,
    created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);

2

Alternatively, allow NULLs if a default value is not appropriate.

-- Example allowing NULLs:
CREATE TABLE orders (
    order_id INT AUTO_INCREMENT PRIMARY KEY,
    customer_id INT,
    order_date DATE,
    shipped_date DATE NULL -- Allows NULL values
);

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MariaDB Error 1364: Missing Default Field Value