Error
Error Code:
1542
MySQL Error 1542: Invalid Event Interval
Description
This error indicates that an `INTERVAL` value specified for a MySQL event, scheduled task, or similar time-based operation is invalid. It occurs when the interval is set to a non-positive duration (zero or negative) or exceeds the maximum permissible value for that context.
Error Message
INTERVAL is either not positive or too big
Known Causes
3 known causesInterval Set to Zero or Negative
The `INTERVAL` value, commonly used for event scheduling, is explicitly defined as zero or a negative number, which is logically invalid for a duration.
Interval Value Exceeds Maximum
The provided `INTERVAL` duration is excessively large, surpassing the maximum value MySQL can internally represent or process for event scheduling.
Mismatched Interval Unit
The unit specified for the `INTERVAL` (e.g., `SECOND`, `MINUTE`, `HOUR`, `DAY`) does not align with the numerical value, resulting in an interpreted duration that is too small or too large.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Validate Event Schedule Values easy
Ensure all defined event intervals are positive and within reasonable limits.
1
Review your `CREATE EVENT` or `ALTER EVENT` statements to identify any `INTERVAL` clauses.
2
Verify that the numeric value used with `INTERVAL` is a positive integer. For example, `INTERVAL 5 MINUTE` is valid, but `INTERVAL 0 MINUTE` or `INTERVAL -3 MINUTE` is not.
3
Check for extremely large interval values that might exceed MySQL's internal limits for temporal calculations. While specific limits can vary by version and system configuration, extremely large numbers (e.g., `INTERVAL 1000000000000000000 DAY`) are likely to cause issues.
4
If you find an invalid interval, correct it to a positive and sensible value. For example, change `INTERVAL 0 HOUR` to `INTERVAL 1 HOUR` or `INTERVAL -10 SECOND` to `INTERVAL 10 SECOND`.
ALTER EVENT my_event ON SCHEDULE EVERY 1 HOUR STARTS CURRENT_TIMESTAMP + INTERVAL 5 MINUTE;2. Examine Stored Procedures/Functions Using Events medium
Debug the logic within stored routines that create or modify events to catch invalid intervals.
1
Identify any stored procedures or functions that dynamically create or alter MySQL events. These are common sources of this error if not carefully crafted.
2
Within the identified stored routines, trace the origin of the `INTERVAL` values being used. This might involve checking variables, parameters, or calculations.
3
Add logging or debugging statements within the stored routine to print the calculated `INTERVAL` value just before it's used in an `CREATE EVENT` or `ALTER EVENT` statement. This will help pinpoint the exact problematic value.
SELECT CONCAT('Debug: Interval value is ', @calculated_interval_value) AS debug_message;4
Modify the stored routine's logic to ensure that the `INTERVAL` value is always positive and within acceptable ranges before it's passed to the event creation/modification command.
IF @calculated_interval_value <= 0 THEN SET @corrected_interval_value = 1; ELSE SET @corrected_interval_value = @calculated_interval_value; END IF;
-- Then use @corrected_interval_value in your event statement.3. Check System Time and Timezone Settings medium
Ensure server and client time configurations are consistent and don't lead to negative or zero intervals.
1
Verify the system's current time on the MySQL server. Incorrect system time can sometimes lead to unexpected calculations when dealing with intervals.
SELECT NOW();2
Check the MySQL server's timezone setting (`time_zone` variable) and ensure it's correctly configured and consistent with the system's timezone.
SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'time_zone';3
If you are creating events from a client application, ensure the client's timezone is also considered, especially if `CURRENT_TIMESTAMP` is used in conjunction with intervals. Inconsistent timezones between the server and client can lead to subtle bugs.
4
If you suspect timezone issues, consider setting a consistent timezone for both the server and client or explicitly using UTC for event scheduling where appropriate to avoid ambiguity.
SET GLOBAL time_zone = '+00:00';