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Description

This error indicates that an `ALTER` statement you executed or attempted to execute contains an option, attribute, or feature that is not supported by your MySQL server version, configuration, or the specific object being altered. It commonly occurs when modifying tables, users, or other database objects with incompatible syntax or features.

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Error Message

%s is not supported. Reason: %s. Try %s.

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Known Causes

3 known causes

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Incompatible Storage Engine Feature

You are attempting to use an `ALTER` operation feature (e.g., index type, column attribute) that is not supported by the table's underlying storage engine (e.g., InnoDB, MyISAM).

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Unsupported MySQL Version Feature

The specific syntax, option, or feature used in your `ALTER` statement is not available or supported in your current MySQL server version.

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Invalid Column Definition or Attribute

The `ALTER TABLE` statement attempts to modify a column with an unsupported data type, character set, collation, or attribute combination.

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Solutions

3 solutions available

1. Simplify the ALTER TABLE Statement easy

Break down complex ALTER TABLE operations into simpler, sequential steps.

1

Identify the specific part of your `ALTER TABLE` statement that is causing the error. The error message usually provides clues about what operation is unsupported.

Example Error Message: 'ALGORITHM=INSTANT' is not supported. Reason: This operation requires a copy of the table. Try ALGORITHM=COPY.

2

If the error mentions an unsupported `ALGORITHM` (like `INSTANT` or `INPLACE`), try changing it to `COPY`. This often involves rebuilding the table.

ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN your_column_name VARCHAR(255), ALGORITHM=COPY;

3

If you are performing multiple modifications (e.g., adding a column and changing another), execute them as separate `ALTER TABLE` statements. This can help isolate the problematic operation.

ALTER TABLE your_table_name ADD COLUMN new_column INT;
ALTER TABLE your_table_name MODIFY COLUMN existing_column VARCHAR(100);

2. Check MySQL Version Compatibility medium

Ensure the ALTER operation is supported in your current MySQL version.

1

Determine your current MySQL server version. You can do this by running the following command in your MySQL client or a terminal.

SELECT VERSION();

2

Consult the official MySQL documentation for your specific version to check if the `ALTER TABLE` operation you are attempting is supported. Different versions have varying support for online DDL operations and specific modifications.

Example: Search for 'MySQL [your_version_number] ALTER TABLE documentation' in your web browser.

3

If the operation is not supported in your current version, consider upgrading your MySQL server to a newer version where the feature is available. Alternatively, you might need to use a workaround (see Solution 1 or 3).

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3. Recreate the Table with Desired Schema advanced

For complex or unsupported changes, recreate the table with the new schema.

1

Create a new, temporary table with the desired schema and structure.

CREATE TABLE your_table_name_new LIKE your_table_name;
ALTER TABLE your_table_name_new MODIFY COLUMN new_column_definition;

2

Copy the data from the original table to the new table. Ensure you copy all relevant columns.

INSERT INTO your_table_name_new (column1, column2, ...) SELECT column1, column2, ... FROM your_table_name;

3

Rename the original table to a backup name.

RENAME TABLE your_table_name TO your_table_name_old;

4

Rename the new table to the original table name.

RENAME TABLE your_table_name_new TO your_table_name;

5

Verify that the data has been copied correctly and that the new table structure is as expected. Once confirmed, you can drop the old table (`your_table_name_old`).

DROP TABLE your_table_name_old;

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 1846: Unsupported ALTER Operation