Error
Error Code:
1471
MySQL Error 1471: Table Not Insertable
Description
This error occurs when an `INSERT` statement attempts to add data to a table or view that is configured in a way that prevents write operations. It signifies that the target object or its underlying structure does not allow new rows to be added. This can happen due to various database constraints or table properties.
Error Message
The target table %s of the %s is not insertable-into
Known Causes
3 known causesNon-updatable View
The target is a `VIEW` that cannot be directly inserted into because its definition includes elements like aggregate functions, `DISTINCT`, `GROUP BY`, or multiple tables without a clear primary key for updates.
Read-only Table or Database
The target table or the entire database is currently in a read-only state, preventing any write operations like inserts. This can be due to replication settings or explicit read locks.
MERGE or FEDERATED Table Issues
The target is a special table type (like `MERGE` or `FEDERATED`) whose underlying tables or remote sources are themselves not insertable or have configuration issues.
Solutions
4 solutions available1. Identify and Remove Virtual Columns easy
Remove any generated virtual columns that might be preventing inserts.
1
Examine the table structure to identify any generated columns.
SHOW CREATE TABLE your_table_name;2
If you find a generated column defined with `GENERATED ALWAYS AS ...`, and it's not intended for insertion, you may need to alter the table to remove it or change its definition. If the generated column is based on a calculation and you're trying to insert a value into it, that's the cause. You should only be inserting into non-generated columns.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name DROP COLUMN generated_column_name;3
Alternatively, if the generated column's definition is incorrect or you intended it to be a regular column, alter its definition. For example, to make it a regular column with a default value:
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN generated_column_name INT DEFAULT 0;2. Check for `INSERT IGNORE` or `REPLACE` Statements easy
Ensure your INSERT statements are not using `IGNORE` or `REPLACE` inappropriately.
1
Review the SQL statement that is causing the error. Look for keywords like `INSERT IGNORE` or `REPLACE`.
INSERT IGNORE INTO your_table_name (col1, col2) VALUES (val1, val2);2
These statements are designed to handle duplicate key errors or other conditions by either ignoring the insert or replacing the existing row. If the error 1471 is occurring with these, it might indicate a deeper issue with how the statement is constructed or the table's constraints.
REPLACE INTO your_table_name (col1, col2) VALUES (val1, val2);3
For a standard insert, remove `IGNORE` or `REPLACE` and ensure your data adheres to the table's constraints. If you intend to ignore errors, ensure the `INSERT IGNORE` is correctly placed and that the error isn't a result of a fundamental table design flaw.
INSERT INTO your_table_name (col1, col2) VALUES (val1, val2);3. Verify Table Type and Storage Engine medium
Ensure the table is not a temporary table or a special type that is not insertable.
1
Check the table's type and storage engine.
SHOW TABLE STATUS LIKE 'your_table_name';2
Look at the `ENGINE` and `Type` columns in the output. If the `ENGINE` is `MEMORY` and you're performing operations that are not supported by the MEMORY engine for that specific operation, or if the `Type` is `TEMPORARY`, you might encounter this error. MEMORY tables have limitations.
TEXT3
If the table is a temporary table, it will be dropped at the end of the session. Ensure you are inserting into the correct, persistent table.
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If the table engine is problematic for your operations, consider converting it to a more suitable engine like InnoDB. Note that this can be a complex operation for large tables.
ALTER TABLE your_table_name ENGINE=InnoDB;4. Examine View Definitions for Non-Insertable Views advanced
Correct view definitions that prevent inserts into the underlying table.
1
If you are trying to insert into a view, first check the view's definition.
SHOW CREATE VIEW your_view_name;2
MySQL has specific rules for when a view is considered insertable. Generally, a view is insertable if it refers to a single table and does not use certain clauses like `DISTINCT`, aggregate functions (`SUM`, `COUNT`, etc.), `GROUP BY`, `HAVING`, subqueries in the `SELECT` list, or certain types of joins. If your view uses any of these, it might not be insertable.
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To make a view insertable, you may need to simplify its definition. This could involve removing problematic clauses or creating a new, simpler view that is insertable into the base table.
CREATE VIEW insertable_view_name AS SELECT col1, col2 FROM your_table_name WHERE some_condition;4
Alternatively, if you need to insert data, it's often more straightforward to insert directly into the base table rather than through a non-insertable view.
INSERT INTO your_table_name (col1, col2) VALUES (val1, val2);