Error
Error Code:
1348
MySQL Error 1348: Column Not Updatable
Description
MySQL Error 1348 signifies that you are attempting to update a column that cannot be modified. This often happens with generated columns, columns in non-updatable views, or columns with specific constraints that prevent direct modification.
Error Message
Column '%s' is not updatable
Known Causes
3 known causesGenerated or Virtual Column
Attempting to update a column whose value is automatically generated or computed from other columns in the table.
Non-Updatable View
The column belongs to a view that does not permit update operations, typically due to complex definitions, aggregate functions, or derived values.
Read-Only Column or Table
The specific column or the entire table is configured as read-only, either explicitly or through database permissions/settings.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Identify and Modify the Non-Updatable Column medium
Determine the cause of the non-updatable column and adjust the query or table definition.
1
Examine the `ERROR MESSAGE` carefully. It will explicitly state the name of the column that is causing the problem.
2
Understand why the column might be non-updatable. Common reasons include:
3
If the column is part of a `JOIN` and is not the primary key of one of the tables, it might not be updatable. Consider rewriting the `UPDATE` statement to target the table directly or ensure the column is a primary key in the joined table.
UPDATE table1 t1 JOIN table2 t2 ON t1.id = t2.fk_id SET t1.some_column = 'new_value' WHERE t2.other_column = 'condition'; -- This might cause issues if 'some_column' is not a PK in t1.
-- Better approach if possible:
UPDATE table1 SET some_column = 'new_value' WHERE id IN (SELECT fk_id FROM table2 WHERE other_column = 'condition');4
If the column is a generated column (e.g., `GENERATED ALWAYS AS (expression) STORED` or `VIRTUAL`), it cannot be directly updated. Remove it from the `UPDATE` statement or reconsider its definition if direct updates are required.
ALTER TABLE your_table DROP COLUMN generated_column;5
If the column is part of a `VIEW` that is not inherently updatable (e.g., involves aggregate functions, `DISTINCT`, or complex joins), you cannot update it through the view. Update the base table directly.
UPDATE base_table SET column_to_update = 'new_value' WHERE id = 1;6
If the column is `AUTO_INCREMENT`, you generally cannot update it directly. If you need to reset or change an `AUTO_INCREMENT` value, do so with caution and typically by re-creating the table or using `ALTER TABLE AUTO_INCREMENT = value;` (which resets the next value, not directly updates existing ones).
ALTER TABLE your_table AUTO_INCREMENT = 100;7
Review your `UPDATE` statement and ensure the column listed in the `SET` clause is indeed intended to be updated and is a regular, updatable column in the target table.
UPDATE your_table SET non_updatable_column = 'value' WHERE id = 1; -- Error here
-- Corrected:
UPDATE your_table SET updatable_column = 'value' WHERE id = 1;2. Rewrite UPDATE Statement for Complex Queries medium
Simplify or restructure your `UPDATE` statement to avoid ambiguity for MySQL.
1
When updating a table involved in a `JOIN`, MySQL can sometimes have trouble determining which table's column to update, especially if column names are ambiguous or if the join condition doesn't clearly point to a single row in the target table. Try explicitly qualifying the column with the table alias.
UPDATE t1 JOIN t2 ON t1.id = t2.fk_id SET t1.column_to_update = t2.value WHERE t1.some_condition;2
If the above still fails, consider using a subquery to isolate the update target. This can make the intent clearer to MySQL.
UPDATE your_table SET column_to_update = 'new_value' WHERE id IN (SELECT id FROM another_table WHERE condition);3
For complex updates involving multiple tables, it might be more robust to first fetch the IDs of the rows to be updated into a temporary table or variable, and then perform the update.
CREATE TEMPORARY TABLE rows_to_update AS SELECT id FROM your_table WHERE some_condition;
UPDATE your_table SET column_to_update = 'new_value' WHERE id IN (SELECT id FROM rows_to_update);
DROP TEMPORARY TABLE rows_to_update;3. Verify Table Structure and Constraints easy
Inspect the table definition to confirm if the column is intended to be updatable.
1
Use `DESCRIBE` or `SHOW CREATE TABLE` to view the definition of the table containing the non-updatable column.
DESCRIBE your_table;
SHOW CREATE TABLE your_table;2
Look for keywords like `GENERATED ALWAYS AS`, `VIRTUAL`, `STORED`, `AUTO_INCREMENT`, or any specific constraints that might prevent direct updates. If it's a generated column, you cannot update it directly.
3
If the column is indeed intended to be updatable but is being flagged, ensure there are no custom triggers or stored procedures that might be interfering with the update operation. Check for `CREATE TRIGGER` statements related to the table.
SHOW TRIGGERS LIKE 'your_table';