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Description

This error indicates a syntax problem when defining partitions for a MySQL table. It arises when creating or altering a table that uses RANGE or LIST partitioning, but the `VALUES` clause is either missing or improperly specified for one or more partitions. MySQL requires explicit value definitions for each individual partition.

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Error Message

Syntax error: %s PARTITIONING requires definition of VALUES %s for each partition

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Missing VALUES Clause

When defining `RANGE` or `LIST` partitions, the `VALUES` clause (e.g., `VALUES LESS THAN`, `VALUES IN`) is entirely omitted for one or more individual partitions.

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Invalid VALUES Syntax

The `VALUES` clause is present but contains a syntax error, such as mismatched parentheses, incorrect keywords, or data types incompatible with the partitioning column.

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Incomplete Partition Coverage

For `RANGE` or `LIST` partitioning, the defined `VALUES` do not cover all necessary ranges or discrete values, leaving gaps or undefined sets that MySQL cannot assign.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Correctly Define Partition Values in `CREATE TABLE` easy

Ensure all `VALUES` clauses are present and correctly formatted for each partition in your `CREATE TABLE` statement.

1

Review your `CREATE TABLE` statement carefully. The error message `Missing Partition Values Definition` indicates that for a partitioning type that requires explicit value definitions (like `RANGE` or `LIST`), you've omitted or incorrectly formatted the `VALUES` clause for one or more partitions.

Example of incorrect syntax:
CREATE TABLE my_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    data VARCHAR(50)
) PARTITION BY RANGE (id) (
    PARTITION p0 VALUES LESS THAN (10),
    PARTITION p1 VALUES LESS THAN (20),
    PARTITION p2 -- Missing VALUES clause here
);

2

For `RANGE` partitioning, each `PARTITION` definition must include `VALUES LESS THAN (value)`. For `LIST` partitioning, each `PARTITION` definition must include `VALUES IN (value1, value2, ...)`.

Example of correct syntax for `RANGE` partitioning:
CREATE TABLE my_table (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    data VARCHAR(50)
) PARTITION BY RANGE (id) (
    PARTITION p0 VALUES LESS THAN (10),
    PARTITION p1 VALUES LESS THAN (20),
    PARTITION p2 VALUES LESS THAN MAXVALUE -- Or a specific upper bound
);

3

Ensure that the last partition in a `RANGE` partitioning scheme correctly handles the remaining values. Using `MAXVALUE` is a common and effective way to achieve this.

Example for `LIST` partitioning:
CREATE TABLE sales (
    id INT,
    region VARCHAR(50)
) PARTITION BY LIST (region) (
    PARTITION r0 VALUES IN ('North', 'South'),
    PARTITION r1 VALUES IN ('East', 'West'),
    PARTITION r2 VALUES IN ('Central')
);

2. Add Missing Partition Definitions to an Existing Table medium

Use `ALTER TABLE` to add the necessary `VALUES` clauses to partitions that are missing them in a table that is already partitioned.

1

First, identify which partitions are missing their `VALUES` definitions. You can inspect the table's structure using `SHOW CREATE TABLE table_name;`.

SHOW CREATE TABLE your_table_name;

2

Once identified, use the `ALTER TABLE ... ADD PARTITION` statement to add the missing partition definition with the correct `VALUES` clause. The exact syntax depends on whether you are using `RANGE` or `LIST` partitioning.

For RANGE partitioning (assuming you need to add a partition for values >= 20 and < 30):
ALTER TABLE your_table_name
ADD PARTITION (PARTITION p3 VALUES LESS THAN (30));

3

If you are using LIST partitioning and need to add a partition for a specific value (e.g., 'Northwest'):
ALTER TABLE your_table_name
ADD PARTITION (PARTITION p_nw VALUES IN ('Northwest'));

4

Be aware that adding partitions might involve data redistribution if the new partition's values overlap with existing ones in a way that requires it. For simple additions of missing partitions, this is usually straightforward.

If you are modifying an existing partition (less common for this specific error, but possible if a definition was partially defined):
ALTER TABLE your_table_name
REORGANIZE PARTITION p2 INTO (
    PARTITION p2 VALUES LESS THAN (25)
);

3. Recreate Table with Correct Partitioning advanced

If the partitioning scheme is complex or has been misconfigured, recreating the table with a correct definition is a robust solution.

1

Obtain the current `CREATE TABLE` statement for the problematic table using `SHOW CREATE TABLE your_table_name;`.

SHOW CREATE TABLE your_table_name;

2

Create a temporary table with the same schema but without partitioning, or with a corrected partitioning definition. Ensure all partitions have their `VALUES` clauses correctly specified.

CREATE TABLE your_table_name_temp (
    id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    data VARCHAR(50)
) PARTITION BY RANGE (id) (
    PARTITION p0 VALUES LESS THAN (10),
    PARTITION p1 VALUES LESS THAN (20),
    PARTITION p2 VALUES LESS THAN MAXVALUE
);

3

Copy the data from the original table to the temporary table.

INSERT INTO your_table_name_temp (id, data)
SELECT id, data FROM your_table_name;

4

Drop the original table.

DROP TABLE your_table_name;

5

Rename the temporary table to the original table name.

RENAME TABLE your_table_name_temp TO your_table_name;

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 1479: Missing Partition Values Definition