MySQL throws ER_INVALID_USE_OF_NULL when a NULL appears where a non-null value is required, such as in a NOT NULL column or key field.
MySQL Error 1138 ER_INVALID_USE_OF_NULL happens when a statement supplies NULL to a column or expression that forbids it. Check NOT NULL columns, primary keys, and STRICT mode settings, then pass a valid value or alter the schema to permit NULLs.
Invalid use of NULL value
Error 1138 surfaces when MySQL detects a NULL value in a place that requires a definite, non-null value. The server immediately aborts the statement and returns SQLSTATE 22004.
The problem typically appears during INSERT, UPDATE, or LOAD DATA commands executed under strict SQL_MODE.
Strict mode forces MySQL to reject problematic data instead of silently converting it.
The error fires if you insert NULL into a NOT NULL column, assign NULL to a PRIMARY KEY, or let an expression that forbids nullability evaluate to NULL.
It also triggers when default-less NOT NULL columns receive no value while strict mode is enabled.
Developers often meet this error after migrating schemas, enabling strict mode, or ingesting CSV files that contain empty strings interpreted as NULL.
ER_INVALID_USE_OF_NULL stops the entire statement, meaning no rows are written.
In critical ETL jobs or transaction blocks this can halt data pipelines and create downstream inconsistencies.
Resolving the error preserves data integrity and avoids partial writes that break foreign-key relationships, application logic, and reporting accuracy.
Primary triggers include inserting NULL into NOT NULL columns, relying on implicit defaults that do not exist, and strict mode upgrades. See details below.
Identify the offending column by reviewing the table definition and the exact statement.
Supply a valid non-null value or relax the schema constraint if business rules allow NULL.
If strict mode alone causes failures you can temporarily disable it, but long-term solutions should respect column definitions or set appropriate defaults.
Bulk CSV loads often insert empty strings. Use SET sql_mode=''; or convert blanks to valid values before LOAD DATA.
ORMs may generate INSERT statements that omit a NOT NULL column with no default.
Provide the field explicitly or alter the column to DEFAULT '' or another sentinel value.
Always define sensible defaults for NOT NULL columns, enable application-side validation, and use pre-insert checks.
Maintain integration tests that run under strict mode to catch violations early.
Galaxy’s inline linting highlights NOT NULL columns during editing, while its AI copilot suggests default-safe INSERT templates, reducing the chance of NULL misuse.
Errors 1048 (Column cannot be null), 1364 (Field doesn't have a default), and 3819 (Check constraint 'xxx' is violated) share similar root causes. Fix strategies overlap: supply valid data, tweak defaults, or adjust constraints.
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An INSERT or UPDATE explicitly sets a NOT NULL column to NULL.
A NOT NULL column without a default is omitted in the values list while sql_mode includes STRICT_ALL_TABLES or STRICT_TRANS_TABLES.
A NULL is assigned to a PRIMARY KEY column that is not AUTO_INCREMENT.
An assignment or computed column references a NULL result where NULLs are disallowed.
LOAD DATA or bulk import turns blank fields into NULLs, breaching NOT NULL constraints.
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It bypasses the error but risks silent data issues. Prefer supplying valid data or altering defaults.
Run SHOW WARNINGS or enable the general log. MySQL lists the offending column in newer versions.
Yes. Inserting NULL into an AUTO_INCREMENT field is legal because MySQL replaces it with the next sequence value.
Galaxy highlights NOT NULL columns, warns about missing defaults, and its AI copilot autocompletes schema-safe INSERT statements.
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