MySQL raises ER_TABLE_EXISTS_ERROR (SQLSTATE 42S01) when a CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE tries to create a table that already exists in the target schema.
MySQL Error 1050: ER_TABLE_EXISTS_ERROR appears when a CREATE TABLE statement targets a name that already exists. Confirm the table list, then drop, rename, or use CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS to resolve the conflict.
Table '%s' already exists
MySQL throws ER_TABLE_EXISTS_ERROR (error 1050, SQLSTATE 42S01) when a statement attempts to create a table, view, or temporary table whose name already exists in the current database. The server blocks the operation to protect the existing object.
The error commonly surfaces during schema migrations, automated deployment scripts, or testing where multiple runs create identical tables.
It can also appear inside stored procedures that conditionally create tables.
Leaving duplicate-name attempts unresolved can halt CI/CD pipelines, break application startup, and corrupt deployment rolls. Quick resolution keeps environments consistent and prevents unexpected outages.
Primary cause is a name collision with an existing permanent or temporary table.
Other triggers include case-sensitivity mismatches on Linux filesystems, replication lag leaving ghost tables, and forgetting IF NOT EXISTS in DDL generators.
Galaxy’s editor autocompletes live schema metadata, so you immediately see whether a table exists. Integrated search flags duplicates before you run DDL, and versioned queries make rollbacks trivial.
Always check the INFORMATION_SCHEMA or use CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS to guard deployments. Automate schema checks with Galaxy or CI scripts to avoid runtime surprises.
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No. Ignoring leaves scripts in an unknown state and may mask data inconsistencies.
Minimal overhead. MySQL performs a quick catalog lookup before creating the table.
Wrap CREATE statements with IF NOT EXISTS or add explicit DROP TABLE lines inside transactions.
Replication lag or a temporary table in another session could still hold the name. Flush privileges or close sessions.
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