Error
Error Code:
1103
MySQL Error 1103: Invalid Table Name Syntax
Description
This error indicates that a table name used in a SQL statement does not conform to MySQL's naming rules. It typically occurs when the name contains invalid characters, exceeds length limits, or uses reserved keywords.
Error Message
Incorrect table name '%s'
Known Causes
3 known causesInvalid Characters in Name
Table names must adhere to MySQL's character set rules, avoiding spaces or disallowed symbols.
Table Name Exceeds Max Length
MySQL table names have a maximum length limit of 64 characters.
Using Reserved Keywords
Attempting to use a MySQL reserved keyword (e.g., `CREATE`, `USER`) as a table name without proper quoting.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Escape Invalid Characters in Table Names easy
Enclose table names containing special characters or reserved words with backticks.
1
Identify the table name that is causing the error. The error message '%s' will show the problematic name.
2
If the table name contains spaces, hyphens, or other special characters that are not alphanumeric, or if it's a MySQL reserved word, enclose it in backticks (`).
SELECT * FROM `invalid-table name`;
-- Or when creating/altering a table:
CREATE TABLE `my table` (id INT);
ALTER TABLE `old table name` RENAME TO `new_table_name`;3
Re-execute your SQL query or operation with the corrected table name.
2. Rename Tables with Invalid Characters medium
Change table names that violate MySQL naming conventions to valid ones.
1
Identify the table name causing the error.
2
Use the `RENAME TABLE` statement to change the table name to one that adheres to MySQL's naming rules (alphanumeric characters, underscores, and dollar signs are generally safe, and it should not start with a number).
RENAME TABLE `invalid-table name` TO `valid_table_name`;3
Update any application code or scripts that reference the old table name to use the new, valid name.
3. Check for Typos and Reserved Words easy
Verify table names for spelling errors and ensure they are not MySQL reserved keywords.
1
Carefully review the table name specified in your SQL statement. Look for any typographical errors.
2
Consult the MySQL documentation for a list of reserved words. If your table name is a reserved word, it will cause syntax errors. For example, `order`, `select`, `table` are reserved words.
SHOW VARIABLES LIKE 'lower_case_table_names'; -- This can affect case sensitivity of table names.
-- You can also query the information_schema for a list of tables:
SELECT table_name FROM information_schema.tables WHERE table_schema = 'your_database_name';3
If the table name is a reserved word, either rename the table (using Solution 2) or enclose it in backticks (using Solution 1). Renaming is generally preferred for clarity.