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Description

This error indicates that an attempted `ALTER` statement or a specific clause within it is not supported for the target database object or current server configuration. It commonly arises when trying to perform a schema modification that MariaDB deems invalid or restricted under certain conditions.

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Error Message

%s is not supported for this operation. Try %s.

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Unsupported Syntax or Feature

The `ALTER` statement includes a syntax element or feature that is not supported by your MariaDB version or the specific storage engine being used for the table.

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Invalid Operation for Object Type

The attempted modification is not valid for the type of database object (e.g., table, view, index) or its current properties you are trying to alter.

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Database Constraints or Restrictions

The `ALTER` operation is blocked by existing database constraints, specific table attributes, or server-level configuration settings.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Use a Supported ALTER Operation easy

Identify and use the correct ALTER operation that MariaDB supports for your specific table modification.

1

Examine the error message carefully. It will specify what operation was attempted and what alternative operations are supported. For example, if you tried to `ALTER TABLE ... MODIFY COLUMN ...` in a way that's not permitted, the error might suggest `CHANGE COLUMN` or `ADD COLUMN` followed by a `DROP COLUMN`.

2

Consult the MariaDB documentation for the `ALTER TABLE` statement and the specific data type or operation you are trying to perform. This will provide a definitive list of supported modifications.

3

Rewrite your `ALTER TABLE` statement using the supported syntax. For instance, if you are trying to change a column's data type and it's not directly supported, you might need to add a new column with the desired type, copy data, and then drop the old column, or use `CHANGE COLUMN` if it allows the specific modification.

--- Incorrect (example) ---
ALTER TABLE your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column BIGINT UNSIGNED;

--- Correct (example if error suggested CHANGE COLUMN) ---
ALTER TABLE your_table CHANGE COLUMN your_column your_column BIGINT UNSIGNED;

--- Correct (example if error suggested ADD/DROP) ---
ALTER TABLE your_table ADD COLUMN new_column BIGINT UNSIGNED;
UPDATE your_table SET new_column = your_column;
ALTER TABLE your_table DROP COLUMN your_column;
ALTER TABLE your_table CHANGE COLUMN new_column your_column BIGINT UNSIGNED;

2. Update MariaDB Version medium

Upgrade to a newer MariaDB version where the unsupported operation might be implemented.

1

Check your current MariaDB version by running the following command:

SELECT VERSION();

2

Visit the official MariaDB website or your distribution's package manager to find the latest stable version. Research the release notes for recent versions to see if the operation you are trying to perform has been added or improved.

3

Plan and execute a MariaDB upgrade. This typically involves backing up your data, stopping the MariaDB service, installing the new version, and potentially running `mysql_upgrade`.

--- Example using apt (Debian/Ubuntu) ---
# Backup your data first!
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mariadb-server mariadb-client
# After installation, run mysql_upgrade if prompted or manually
# sudo mysql_upgrade -u root -p

4

After the upgrade, attempt your `ALTER TABLE` operation again.

ALTER TABLE your_table ... your_unsupported_operation ...;

3. Recreate Table with Desired Structure medium

Create a new table with the desired structure and migrate data from the old table.

1

Create a new table with the exact schema you intend to have, including the problematic column modification.

CREATE TABLE new_your_table LIKE your_table;
-- Modify the schema for the new table as needed
ALTER TABLE new_your_table MODIFY COLUMN your_column ... your_desired_attributes ...;
-- Or, if MODIFY is the issue, use CREATE TABLE with the correct definition directly.

2

Copy all data from the original table to the new table.

INSERT INTO new_your_table SELECT * FROM your_table;

3

Rename the original table to a backup name.

RENAME TABLE your_table TO your_table_backup;

4

Rename the new table to the original table's name.

RENAME TABLE new_your_table TO your_table;

5

Verify that all data is intact and the new structure is correct. You can then drop the backup table after a sufficient period.

DROP TABLE your_table_backup;

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MariaDB Error 1845: Unsupported ALTER Operation