MySQL 1022: Can't write; duplicate key in table.

  1. Identify the duplicate entry causing the error. You can do this by trying to understand which operation led to the error. If it was an INSERT or UPDATE, check the unique constraints of the table involved.



  1. Use the `SHOW INDEXES FROM yourtablename;` command to identify all indexes, including unique constraints of the table in question. This will help you understand which column(s) are causing the duplicate key constraint violation.



  1. Analyze the data that caused the error. For an INSERT operation, check the data you're trying to insert. For an UPDATE operation, review the changes you're trying to make.



  1. To find duplicates in the specific column(s) identified as having unique constraints, use a query like:


SELECT column_name, COUNT(*)
FROM your
tablename
GROUP BY column_name
HAVING COUNT(*) > 1;

Replace `columnname` with the name of the column that has the unique constraint and `yourtable_name` with the name of your table.

  1. Once you've identified the duplicate data, decide on the action to take:


- If the duplicate data is incorrect, delete or modify it. For deletion, use:
DELETE FROM yourtablename
WHERE your
conditiontoidentifytheduplicaterow;
- If the duplicate data should be there but with modification to respect the unique constraint, use an UPDATE statement:
UPDATE yourtablename
SET column
name = 'newvalue'
WHERE your
conditiontoidentifytheduplicaterow;

  1. After cleaning up the duplicates, retry the operation that caused the error.



  1. If the error persists or you're unsure about the data to delete or modify, consider creating a backup before taking further action:


CREATE TABLE backuptablename AS SELECT * FROM yourtablename;
Then, you can safely work on `yourtablename` knowing you have a backup.

Remember to replace `yourtablename`, `columnname`, `newvalue`, and `yourconditiontoidentifytheduplicaterow` with the actual table name, column name, the new value you wish to set, and the condition to find the duplicate row, respectively.

Never debug

MySQL

manually again

Let Dr. Droid create custom investigation plans for your infrastructure.

Start Free POC (15-min setup) →
Automate Debugging for
MySQL
See how Dr. Droid creates investigation plans for your infrastructure.

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid