Error
Error Code:
3692
MySQL Error 3692: Invalid Regex Interval Quantifier
Description
This error indicates a syntax problem within a regular expression used in MySQL, specifically concerning the `{min,max}` interval quantifier. It occurs when the `min` and `max` values defining the repetition interval are incorrectly specified, preventing the database from parsing the regular expression correctly.
Error Message
Incorrect description of a {min,max} interval.
Known Causes
3 known causesMin-Max Order Inversion
The minimum value specified in the interval `{min,max}` is greater than the maximum value (e.g., `{5,2}`), which is logically incorrect.
Non-Numeric Interval Values
The `min` or `max` values within the `{}` quantifier contain non-digit characters or are not positive integers, rendering them invalid.
Malformed Separator or Syntax
The comma (`,`) separating the `min` and `max` values is missing, or other characters are used incorrectly within the `{}` braces.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Correct Regex Interval Quantifier Syntax easy
Identify and fix incorrect {min,max} syntax in your regular expressions.
1
Locate the SQL query or stored procedure that is causing the error. This often occurs when using the `REGEXP` or `RLIKE` operators.
2
Examine the regular expression pattern for incorrect interval quantifiers. The correct syntax for an interval quantifier is `{min,max}`, where `min` and `max` are non-negative integers. Ensure there are no typos, missing commas, or invalid characters within the curly braces. For example, `{1,}` means one or more, `{,5}` means zero to five, and `{2,4}` means two to four. Invalid examples include `{,}`, `{1,a}`, or `{a,b}`.
Example of incorrect syntax: `'{1,a}'`
Example of correct syntax: `'{1,5}'`3
Correct the syntax of the interval quantifier to conform to the `{min,max}` format. If you intend to match a literal curly brace, it needs to be escaped.
Corrected SQL snippet (assuming the original was `WHERE column REGEXP 'pattern{1,}'` and it should be `WHERE column REGEXP 'pattern{1,5}'`):
sql
SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE your_column REGEXP 'your_pattern{1,5}';
2. Escape Literal Curly Braces easy
Ensure literal curly braces in your regex are properly escaped.
1
If your regular expression is intended to match literal curly braces (`{` or `}`), they must be escaped. MySQL treats unescaped curly braces as interval quantifiers.
2
Escape literal opening curly braces with a backslash (`\{`) and literal closing curly braces with a backslash (`\}`).
Incorrect: `WHERE column REGEXP 'some{text}'` (This will be interpreted as a quantifier)
Correct: `WHERE column REGEXP 'some\\{text\\}'` (This will match the literal string 'some{text}')3
Apply the escaping to your SQL query or stored procedure.
sql
SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE your_column REGEXP 'your_pattern_with_literal_braces\\{ and \\}';
3. Review Regex for Invalid Quantifier Combinations medium
Check for invalid min/max values in quantifiers, like negative numbers or max < min.
1
Carefully inspect all interval quantifiers in your regular expression. Ensure that the `min` and `max` values are non-negative integers.
2
Verify that the `min` value is not greater than the `max` value. For example, `{5,2}` is invalid.
Invalid: `'{5,2}'`
Valid: `'{2,5}'`3
Confirm that empty `min` or `max` values are used correctly. `{,N}` means 'up to N times', and `{N,}` means 'N or more times'. An empty interval like `{,}` is generally invalid unless it's intended to be `{0,}`.
Invalid: `'{,}'` (unless intended as `{0,}`)
Valid: `'{,5}'` (zero to five times)
Valid: `'{5,}'` (five or more times)4
Update your regular expression with valid interval quantifier values.
sql
SELECT * FROM your_table WHERE your_column REGEXP 'your_pattern{2,5}'; -- Corrected from an invalid range