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Description

This error occurs when a MySQL statement attempts to use an index name that is either misspelled, does not exist, or is not valid for the specified table. It typically indicates a syntax or naming issue during index manipulation or query optimization.

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Error Message

Incorrect index name '%s'

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Typo or Misspelling

The index name specified in the SQL statement contains a typographical error or is misspelled.

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Index Does Not Exist

The database cannot find an index with the given name on the table being referenced.

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Incorrect Table Context

The specified index exists, but on a different table or database than the one currently being operated on.

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Case Sensitivity Mismatch

The index name provided does not match the actual index name due to case sensitivity rules of the MySQL server.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Correcting a Typo in an Index Name easy

Identify and fix a misspelled index name in your SQL statement.

1

Carefully review the SQL statement that is causing Error 1280. Look for any index names that are being referenced.

Example: `ALTER TABLE my_table DROP INDEX `my_idx_name`

2

Compare the index name in your statement with the actual index names defined for the table. You can retrieve the actual index names using `SHOW INDEXES`.

SHOW INDEXES FROM your_table_name;

3

Correct any spelling mistakes or inconsistencies in your SQL statement to match the exact index name.

Corrected example: `ALTER TABLE my_table DROP INDEX my_index_name`

2. Verifying Index Existence Before Operation medium

Ensure the index exists before attempting to modify or drop it.

1

Before executing an `ALTER TABLE` statement that modifies or drops an index, query the `information_schema.STATISTICS` table to confirm the index's existence.

SELECT INDEX_NAME FROM information_schema.STATISTICS WHERE TABLE_SCHEMA = 'your_database_name' AND TABLE_NAME = 'your_table_name' AND INDEX_NAME = 'your_index_name';

2

If the query returns no rows, the index does not exist, and you should not attempt to drop or modify it. If you intended to create it, use `CREATE INDEX`.

CREATE INDEX your_index_name ON your_table_name (column1, column2);

3

If the index exists, but you are still encountering the error, double-check for case sensitivity issues if your operating system or MySQL configuration enforces them.

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3. Recreating the Index with a Valid Name medium

Drop and recreate the index with a correctly formed name.

1

Identify the table and the incorrect index name causing the error. You can use `SHOW INDEXES` to see existing indexes.

SHOW INDEXES FROM your_table_name;

2

Drop the existing index. If the index name is truly invalid and causing the error during the drop operation itself, you might need to bypass it or resolve the underlying naming issue first (e.g., if the name contains invalid characters). However, typically, the error occurs when *referencing* the index, not when dropping it directly if it exists.

ALTER TABLE your_table_name DROP INDEX incorrect_index_name;

3

Create the index again with a valid and correct name. Ensure the name adheres to MySQL's naming conventions (e.g., starts with a letter, contains letters, numbers, and underscores, and is not excessively long).

ALTER TABLE your_table_name ADD INDEX valid_index_name (column1, column2);

4. Resolving Invalid Index Name Characters advanced

Address index names containing characters that violate MySQL's naming rules.

1

Inspect the output of `SHOW INDEXES FROM your_table_name;` to identify any index names that appear unusual or contain special characters that might be problematic.

SHOW INDEXES FROM your_table_name;

2

MySQL index names have certain restrictions. They must start with a letter, can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot be excessively long. If an index name contains spaces, hyphens (unless properly quoted), or other disallowed characters, it can lead to this error.

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3

If an index name is found to be invalid, you will need to rename it. This typically involves dropping the index and recreating it with a valid name. If the index name is so malformed that `DROP INDEX` fails, you might need to directly manipulate the `information_schema` (with extreme caution and backups) or consult MySQL support for advanced recovery scenarios.

ALTER TABLE your_table_name DROP INDEX `problematic-index name`;
ALTER TABLE your_table_name ADD INDEX `valid_index_name` (column1);

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 1280: Incorrect Index Name