📋

Description

This error indicates that a MySQL VIEW cannot be executed or created because its definition refers to database objects (tables, columns, functions) that either do not exist, have been altered, or the user associated with the view lacks the necessary permissions to access them. It commonly occurs due to schema changes or privilege issues.

💬

Error Message

View '%s.%s' references invalid table(s) or column(s) or function(s) or definer/invoker of view lack rights to use them

🔍

Known Causes

4 known causes

⚠️

Missing or Renamed Objects

The underlying tables, columns, or functions referenced in the view's definition have been dropped, renamed, or never existed in the first place.

⚠️

Insufficient User Privileges

The user who defined the view (definer) or the user attempting to access it (invoker) lacks the necessary SELECT or EXECUTE privileges on the underlying tables or functions.

⚠️

Indirect View Invalidity

The view itself depends on another view that is currently invalid due to its own underlying dependency issues or privilege problems.

⚠️

Schema Mismatch After Creation

The view was created based on a certain schema, but the underlying objects have since been altered (e.g., column data type changed, table moved) making the view's definition outdated.

🛠️

Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Verify Table and Column Existence easy

Ensures all referenced tables and columns in the view definition actually exist and are spelled correctly.

1

Identify the exact view definition that is causing the error. This will be shown in the error message itself (e.g., `CREATE VIEW ...`).

2

For each table referenced in the `FROM` clause of the view definition, verify its existence and spelling using `SHOW TABLES` or by querying `information_schema.tables`.

SHOW TABLES LIKE 'your_table_name';
SELECT table_name FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name' AND table_name = 'your_table_name';

3

For each column referenced in the `SELECT` list or `WHERE` clause, verify its existence within its respective table using `DESCRIBE` or by querying `information_schema.columns`.

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

4

If any tables or columns are missing or misspelled, correct the view definition and re-create the view.

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS your_database_name.your_view_name;
CREATE VIEW your_database_name.your_view_name AS
SELECT column1, column2 FROM your_table_name WHERE condition;

2. Grant Necessary Privileges to the View Definer/Invoker medium

Ensures the user who created the view (definer) or the user who is querying it (invoker) has permission to access the underlying tables, columns, or functions.

1

Determine which user is the definer of the view. This is often the user who executed the `CREATE VIEW` statement. You can check this by looking at the `DEFINER` column in `information_schema.VIEWS`.

SELECT definer FROM information_schema.views WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name' AND table_name = 'your_view_name';

2

Grant the necessary `SELECT` privilege on the underlying tables and columns to the definer user. If the view is created with `SQL SECURITY INVOKER`, grant privileges to the user executing the view.

GRANT SELECT ON your_database_name.your_table_name TO 'your_user'@'localhost';
-- To grant on specific columns:
GRANT SELECT (column1, column2) ON your_database_name.your_table_name TO 'your_user'@'localhost';

3

If the view uses functions, ensure the definer/invoker user has the `EXECUTE` privilege on those functions.

GRANT EXECUTE ON FUNCTION your_database_name.your_function_name TO 'your_user'@'localhost';

4

After granting privileges, re-create the view or attempt to query it again.

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS your_database_name.your_view_name;
CREATE VIEW your_database_name.your_view_name AS
SELECT ...;
-- Or try querying:
SELECT * FROM your_database_name.your_view_name;

3. Check for Non-Existent Functions or Stored Procedures easy

Resolves issues where the view definition references a function or stored procedure that doesn't exist or is not accessible.

1

Carefully examine the view definition for any calls to functions or stored procedures.

2

Verify the existence and spelling of these functions/procedures in the database using `SHOW FUNCTION STATUS` or `SHOW PROCEDURE STATUS`.

SHOW FUNCTION STATUS WHERE Db = 'your_database_name' AND Name = 'your_function_name';
SHOW PROCEDURE STATUS WHERE Db = 'your_database_name' AND Name = 'your_procedure_name';

3

If a function or procedure is missing, create it or remove it from the view definition. If it exists but the definer/invoker lacks `EXECUTE` privilege, grant it as described in Solution 2.

DROP VIEW IF EXISTS your_database_name.your_view_name;
CREATE VIEW your_database_name.your_view_name AS
SELECT column1, some_function(column2) FROM your_table_name;

🔗

Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 1356: Invalid View Definition