Error
Error Code:
1531
MariaDB Error 1531: Invalid Size Parameter Format
Description
Error 1531 occurs when MariaDB encounters a size-related parameter that does not conform to expected numerical or 'N M' (e.g., '10M') formats. This usually happens during server configuration, startup, or when executing SQL statements that require specific memory or buffer size declarations.
Error Message
A size parameter was incorrectly specified, either number or on the form 10M
Known Causes
4 known causesIncorrect Unit Suffix
Using an unsupported unit suffix (e.g., 'MB' instead of 'M') or omitting a required suffix for size parameters.
Non-Numeric or Invalid Characters
Supplying values that contain non-numeric characters or are entirely malformed where a number or 'N M' format is expected.
Malformed Syntax or Spacing
Typographical errors, incorrect spacing, or deviations from the 'number' or 'number[M|G|T]' syntax for size parameters.
Configuration File Parameter Error
An incorrectly formatted size parameter defined within the MariaDB configuration file (my.cnf or my.ini) during server startup.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Correct Size Unit Specification easy
Ensure all size parameters use valid units like K, M, G, or T.
1
Review your MariaDB configuration file (e.g., `my.cnf`, `my.ini`) or any SQL statements where you're setting size-related parameters.
2
Identify parameters that expect a size value, such as `innodb_buffer_pool_size`, `max_connections`, `tmp_table_size`, `max_heap_table_size`, etc.
3
Verify that the values are specified with a valid unit suffix if they are large numbers. Valid suffixes are `K` (kilobytes), `M` (megabytes), `G` (gigabytes), and `T` (terabytes). For example, instead of `1024000`, use `1M`. Instead of `1000000000`, use `1G`.
innodb_buffer_pool_size = 1G
max_heap_table_size = 256M
tmp_table_size = 512M4
If no unit is specified, ensure the number is a valid integer. For example, `max_connections = 150` is correct, but `150M` without the 'M' would be incorrect if the intent was just 150 connections.
max_connections = 2005
After making corrections, restart the MariaDB service for the changes to take effect.
sudo systemctl restart mariadb2. Validate Dynamic SQL Size Assignments medium
Correctly format size parameters when setting them dynamically via SQL.
1
If you are setting session variables or global variables using `SET` statements, ensure the syntax is correct.
2
When assigning a size value, use the appropriate unit suffix.
SET GLOBAL tmp_table_size = 128 * 1024 * 1024; -- This is incorrect syntax for size
SET GLOBAL tmp_table_size = 128M; -- This is correct3
Be mindful of implicit conversions. While MariaDB is often flexible, explicit unit specification is the safest approach to avoid this error.
4
Execute the corrected `SET` statements and verify that the variables are set as expected using `SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'parameter_name';`.
SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'tmp_table_size';3. Address Plugin or External Tool Configuration medium
Check configuration files of MariaDB plugins or external tools that interact with size parameters.
1
If you are using any MariaDB plugins or external tools that manage database configurations (e.g., monitoring agents, configuration management tools), examine their configuration files.
2
These tools might be attempting to set MariaDB parameters. Ensure that any size-related values they are pushing to MariaDB adhere to the correct format (numeric with valid suffixes).
3
Refer to the documentation of the specific plugin or tool for guidance on how to properly format size parameters.
4
Apply the necessary corrections in the tool's configuration and restart the tool or MariaDB as required.