Error
Error Code: 3978

MySQL Error 3978: Invalid FK in Atomic CREATE TABLE

📦 MySQL
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Description

This error occurs when attempting to define a foreign key constraint in specific DDL contexts, such as within a `CREATE TABLE ... AS SELECT` statement or a `CREATE TABLE` operation wrapped in an explicit `START TRANSACTION` block. MySQL disallows foreign key definitions in these scenarios due to limitations in its DDL transactionality.
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Error Message

Foreign key creation is not allowed with CREATE TABLE as SELECT and CREATE TABLE with START TRANSACTION statement.
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Known Causes

3 known causes
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FK in CREATE TABLE AS SELECT
Attempting to define a foreign key directly within a `CREATE TABLE ... AS SELECT` statement.
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FK in Transactional DDL
Creating a table with a foreign key constraint inside an explicit `START TRANSACTION` block.
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Unsupported DDL Combination
Combining foreign key definitions with specific atomic or data-driven table creation methods.
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Solutions

Coming Soon

Detailed step-by-step solutions for this error are being prepared. In the meantime, try these general troubleshooting tips:

General Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check the error message carefully for specific details
  • Review recent changes that might have caused the error
  • Search for the exact error code in the official documentation
  • Check log files for additional context
  • Try restarting the application or service
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Related Errors

5 related errors