The error fires when an INSERT or UPDATE tries to place NULL into a column defined with the NOT NULL constraint.
MySQL Error 1048 ER_BAD_NULL_ERROR happens when a statement inserts or updates a NOT NULL column with a NULL value. Supply a non-NULL value, set a DEFAULT, or alter the column to allow NULL to resolve the issue.
Column '%s' cannot be null
MySQL throws “Column '%s' cannot be null” with SQLSTATE 23000 when a NOT NULL column receives a NULL during INSERT or UPDATE. The %s placeholder shows the offending column name.
The server aborts the statement to protect referential and data integrity.
Fixing the violation restores successful writes and keeps downstream applications stable.
A NULL literal, parameter, or variable reaches a column that was declared NOT NULL, either because the value is truly NULL or was omitted without a default.
Application frameworks that construct dynamic SQL often miss fields, while bulk loads and ETL jobs can mis-map columns, both scenarios triggering the error.
Start by confirming the table definition with DESCRIBE or SHOW CREATE TABLE.
Identify which column is NOT NULL and lacks a value.
Provide a non-NULL literal, bind variable, or expression, or alter the column definition to allow NULL or specify a DEFAULT.
During INSERT INTO ... SELECT, the source table may contain NULLs. Use COALESCE(source_col, fallback) to guarantee non-NULL values.
When using LOAD DATA INFILE, empty strings become NULL if you run SET sql_mode='STRICT_ALL_TABLES'.
Replace blanks or set default values before the load.
Validate data in the application layer and reject incomplete payloads before they hit the database.
Define sensible DEFAULT values for mandatory columns so that missing data is automatically populated without violating NOT NULL constraints.
Error 1364 “Field '%s' doesn't have a default value” is similar but occurs when STRICT mode blocks inserting NULL into NOT NULL without DEFAULT.
Error 1049 “Unknown database” differs because it concerns missing schemas, not column constraints.
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No. A NOT NULL column ignores DEFAULT NULL because NULL is still prohibited. Remove the NOT NULL flag or choose a non-NULL default.
MySQL does not provide a session switch to bypass NOT NULL. You must alter the table or adjust data.
Different sql_mode settings, data sources, or trigger logic between environments can reveal NULL violations only after deployment.
Galaxy's AI copilot inspects schema metadata and warns when your draft INSERT or UPDATE omits required columns, reducing runtime errors.
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