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Description

This error indicates that the SQL code within a database trigger's body contains a syntax error or a logical flaw that prevents MariaDB from successfully parsing or executing it. It occurs during trigger creation, alteration, or when the trigger attempts to fire, signifying an invalid statement within its defined actions.

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Error Message

Trigger '%s' has an error in its body: '%s'

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Invalid SQL Syntax

The SQL statements within the trigger body contain typos, missing keywords, incorrect punctuation, or improper function calls.

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Non-existent Objects

The trigger body attempts to reference tables, columns, functions, or procedures that do not exist or are out of scope.

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Incorrect Delimiter Usage

The custom delimiter required for defining multi-statement triggers was not set correctly or reset improperly, causing parsing issues.

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Data Type Mismatches or Logic Errors

Although syntax might be correct, the logic within the trigger could lead to runtime errors, such as attempting invalid data type conversions.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Identify and Correct Syntax Errors in Trigger Body easy

Manually review the trigger's SQL code for syntax mistakes.

1

Identify the trigger name and the specific error message from the `ERROR MESSAGE` part of the output. The error message will often point to the line or character where the syntax issue occurs.

SHOW TRIGGERS LIKE 'your_trigger_name';

2

Examine the SQL code of the trigger. Common syntax errors include: missing semicolons, incorrect keywords, mismatched parentheses or quotes, invalid SQL statements within the trigger body, or using reserved words incorrectly.

-- Example of a common syntax error: missing semicolon
CREATE TRIGGER my_trigger
BEFORE INSERT ON my_table
FOR EACH ROW
BEGIN
  SET NEW.column1 = 'value' -- Missing semicolon here
  SET NEW.column2 = NEW.column1;
END;

3

Correct the identified syntax error. If the error message is vague, try breaking down the trigger body into smaller parts and testing them individually (though this is harder with triggers).

ALTER TRIGGER your_trigger_name
SQL 'your_corrected_sql_code';

4

Recreate the trigger with the corrected syntax. If `ALTER TRIGGER` is not sufficient, you might need to `DROP TRIGGER` and then `CREATE TRIGGER` again.

DROP TRIGGER IF EXISTS your_trigger_name;
CREATE TRIGGER your_trigger_name
BEFORE INSERT ON your_table
FOR EACH ROW
BEGIN
  -- Corrected SQL code here
  SET NEW.column1 = 'value';
  SET NEW.column2 = NEW.column1;
END;

2. Use a SQL Editor with Syntax Highlighting and Validation easy

Leverage tools to automatically detect and highlight syntax errors before applying triggers.

1

When writing or modifying trigger code, use a dedicated SQL editor (e.g., DBeaver, MySQL Workbench, VS Code with SQL extensions, DataGrip). These editors typically provide real-time syntax highlighting and often have built-in syntax checking.

-- Write your trigger code in your SQL editor

2

Pay attention to any red underlines or error messages displayed by the editor as you type. These usually indicate a syntax problem.

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3

Before executing the `CREATE TRIGGER` or `ALTER TRIGGER` statement in MariaDB, ensure your SQL editor shows no syntax errors in the trigger body.

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4

Copy and paste the validated code from your editor into your MariaDB client or script for execution.

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3. Simplify Complex Trigger Logic for Debugging medium

Break down complicated triggers into simpler, verifiable parts.

1

If the trigger body is very long or complex, try to isolate the specific section that is causing the syntax error. The error message might provide clues.

SHOW TRIGGERS LIKE 'your_trigger_name';

2

Temporarily comment out or remove parts of the trigger body to see if the error persists. This can help pinpoint the problematic statement.

-- Example: Temporarily commenting out a section
CREATE TRIGGER my_trigger
BEFORE INSERT ON my_table
FOR EACH ROW
BEGIN
  -- SET NEW.column1 = 'value'; -- Commented out
  SET NEW.column2 = NEW.column1;
END;

3

If a complex SQL statement within the trigger is suspected, test that statement directly in a SQL client outside of the trigger context to ensure its syntax is correct.

-- Test the complex statement in isolation
SELECT column1, column2 FROM your_table WHERE some_condition;

4

Once the problematic section is identified, correct its syntax. Then, gradually reintroduce the commented-out code, testing the trigger creation or alteration after each addition until the error reappears.

ALTER TRIGGER your_trigger_name
SQL 'your_simplified_and_corrected_sql_code';

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MariaDB Error 1710: Trigger Body Syntax Error