Presto INVALID_LIMIT error encountered when executing a query with a LIMIT clause.

The LIMIT clause in the query is invalid.

Understanding Presto and Its Purpose

Presto is an open-source distributed SQL query engine designed for running interactive analytic queries against data sources of all sizes. It is widely used for querying large datasets, often stored in Hadoop, and is known for its speed and efficiency. Presto allows users to query data where it lives, including Hive, Cassandra, relational databases, or even proprietary data stores.

Identifying the Symptom: INVALID_LIMIT Error

When working with Presto, you might encounter the INVALID_LIMIT error. This error typically occurs when executing a query that includes a LIMIT clause. The error message indicates that there is an issue with the LIMIT clause, which prevents the query from executing successfully.

Example of the Error

Consider the following query:

SELECT * FROM orders LIMIT -10;

Executing this query will result in an INVALID_LIMIT error because the LIMIT value is negative, which is not allowed.

Explaining the INVALID_LIMIT Issue

The INVALID_LIMIT error is triggered when the LIMIT clause in a SQL query is not valid. The LIMIT clause is used to restrict the number of rows returned by a query. It must be a non-negative integer. Common mistakes include using negative numbers, non-integer values, or incorrect syntax.

Common Causes

  • Using a negative number in the LIMIT clause.
  • Using a non-integer value in the LIMIT clause.
  • Incorrect syntax or typographical errors in the query.

Steps to Fix the INVALID_LIMIT Issue

To resolve the INVALID_LIMIT error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the LIMIT Clause

Ensure that the LIMIT clause is correctly specified with a non-negative integer. For example:

SELECT * FROM orders LIMIT 10;

This query will execute successfully if the LIMIT value is valid.

Step 2: Validate the Query Syntax

Check the entire query for any syntax errors that might affect the LIMIT clause. Ensure that all SQL keywords are correctly spelled and that the query structure is correct.

Step 3: Test with a Simple Query

Run a simplified version of your query to isolate the issue. For example:

SELECT id FROM orders LIMIT 5;

This helps determine if the problem is specific to the LIMIT clause or another part of the query.

Additional Resources

For more information on Presto and SQL syntax, consider the following resources:

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, you should be able to resolve the INVALID_LIMIT error and execute your queries successfully in Presto.

Never debug

Presto

manually again

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

Book Demo
Automate Debugging for
Presto
See how Dr. Droid creates investigation plans for your infrastructure.

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid