Error
Error Code:
197
MongoDB Error 197: Invalid Index Option
Description
This error indicates that an option provided during an index creation or modification operation is either unrecognized, misspelled, or used incorrectly. It prevents the index from being successfully created or updated in your MongoDB database.
Error Message
Invalid Index Specification Option
Known Causes
3 known causesMisspelled or Unknown Option Name
The index specification includes an option name that is misspelled or not recognized by the MongoDB server.
Incompatible Option for Version/Type
An option used is not supported by your current MongoDB version or is incompatible with the specified index type (e.g., using a text index option with a geospatial index).
Incorrect Option Value Type
The value provided for an index option does not match the expected data type (e.g., a string where a boolean is expected, or an invalid numerical range).
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Correct Invalid Index Option easy
Identify and remove or correct the erroneous index option.
1
Review the index specification for the collection that is causing the error. Look for options that are not valid for MongoDB index creation.
2
Common invalid options include typos, using options meant for different database systems, or attempting to use deprecated options. For example, if you intended to create a text index, ensure you are using the 'text' type and not a misspelled or incorrect parameter.
db.collection.createIndex({ field: "text", otherField: "english" }, { weights: { otherField: 2 } }) // Example of potentially valid options, but check MongoDB docs for exact syntax3
Remove or correct the invalid option. If you are unsure about the correct option, consult the official MongoDB documentation for the `createIndex` command.
db.collection.createIndex({ field: 1 }) // Example of a simple valid index2. Validate Index Option Syntax medium
Ensure that all index options are correctly spelled and formatted according to MongoDB's specifications.
1
When creating or modifying an index, carefully examine each option passed in the options document. Options are case-sensitive and must match MongoDB's defined parameters.
2
Refer to the MongoDB documentation for the `createIndex` command. It lists all valid options for different index types (e.g., `unique`, `sparse`, `expireAfterSeconds`, `weights`, `default_language` for text indexes).
db.collection.createIndex({ field: 1 }, { unique: true, sparse: true }) // Valid options example3
Pay close attention to data types expected for certain options. For instance, `expireAfterSeconds` expects an integer.
db.collection.createIndex({ createdAt: 1 }, { expireAfterSeconds: 3600 }) // Valid example4
If you encounter an error, try creating the index with no options first to isolate the issue. Then, gradually add options back to pinpoint the problematic one.
db.collection.createIndex({ field: 1 })3. Check MongoDB Version Compatibility medium
Verify that the index options used are supported by your current MongoDB version.
1
Different MongoDB versions may introduce, deprecate, or modify index options. Ensure that the options you are using are compatible with the version of MongoDB you are running.
2
Identify your MongoDB server version. You can do this by running `mongod --version` on the server or connecting to the `mongosh` shell and running `db.version()`.
mongosh
db.version()3
Consult the MongoDB documentation specific to your version. For example, if you are on MongoDB 5.0, search for 'MongoDB 5.0 createIndex options'.
text4
If an option is deprecated or removed in your version, find the recommended alternative or remove the option entirely.