MySQL throws ER_SP_ALREADY_EXISTS when you attempt to create a stored routine, trigger, or event that already exists in the same database and schema.
MySQL Error 1304: ER_SP_ALREADY_EXISTS occurs when you run CREATE PROCEDURE, FUNCTION, TRIGGER, or EVENT with a name that already exists in the active schema. Drop or rename the existing object, or use CREATE OR REPLACE in MySQL 8.0.19+ to resolve the conflict.
%s %s already exists
Error 1304 appears with the message “%s %s already exists” when MySQL detects an attempt to create a stored procedure, function, trigger, or event using an identifier that is already present in the current schema.
The error halts execution because MySQL prevents duplicate object names, ensuring callers always reference a single, unambiguous routine.
The error fires during CREATE PROCEDURE, CREATE FUNCTION, CREATE TRIGGER, or CREATE EVENT statements if an object of the same type and name exists in the selected database.
It also triggers inside migration tools or CI pipelines that run idempotent scripts without first checking for object existence.
Leaving the conflict unresolved stops deployments, blocks new features, and breaks automated roll-outs. Addressing it quickly restores development velocity and keeps schema versions consistent across environments.
Most commonly, a previous version of the routine still exists because it was not dropped before redeployment.
Running scripts against the wrong database or failing to qualify routine names can unintentionally collide with objects in the default schema.
Case-insensitive file systems on Windows can hide duplicate names that differ only by case, which MySQL still considers identical.
Migrations interrupted halfway may leave orphaned routines that later builds try to recreate, triggering the error.
First, confirm the object’s presence with INFORMATION_SCHEMA and decide whether to replace or rename it.
Option 1: DROP the existing routine, then create a fresh one. Option 2: ALTER the routine if only its body needs changes. Option 3: On MySQL 8.0.19+, use CREATE OR REPLACE to overwrite it in a single step.
CI/CD pipelines: Add DROP PROCEDURE IF EXISTS statements before each CREATE to make scripts idempotent.
Local development: Switch to the intended database with USE db_name; before creating routines to avoid collisions in test schemas.
Version-controlled migrations: Wrap CREATE statements in conditional checks that query INFORMATION_SCHEMA for existing objects.
Adopt predictable naming conventions that include module prefixes or version suffixes.
Automate cleanup with DROP IF EXISTS in rollback scripts and pre-deploy checks.
Upgrade to MySQL 8.0.19+ and standardize on CREATE OR REPLACE for stored routines.
Use Galaxy’s object browser to verify procedure names before executing CREATE statements, reducing accidental duplication.
ER_SP_DOES_NOT_EXIST (1305) fires when you attempt to DROP or ALTER a missing routine; verify existence first.
ER_TRIGGER_ALREADY_EXISTS (1359) surfaces when a trigger name collides; rename or drop the old trigger.
ER_FUNC_ALREADY_EXISTS (1414) is the function counterpart; apply the same fixes as ER_SP_ALREADY_EXISTS.
A previous deployment left the procedure, function, or trigger in place.
Scripts run on the default schema rather than the intended one, hitting a name clash.
Routine names differ only by letter case, which MySQL treats as identical in most environments.
Partially applied migrations create an object, then fail, leaving it for the next run to collide with.
Raised when attempting to DROP or CALL a routine that is missing. Verify existence before operating.
Occurs when creating a trigger with a duplicate name. Resolve by dropping or renaming the old trigger.
Thrown when a view with the same name exists. Use DROP VIEW or CREATE OR REPLACE VIEW.
Similar to 1304 but for stored functions. Follow identical fix patterns.
Traditional CREATE PROCEDURE lacks IF NOT EXISTS, but MySQL 8.0.19 introduced CREATE OR REPLACE, which serves the same purpose.
No. MySQL checks only the routine name and database, not its parameter signature. The name must be unique.
Galaxy’s sidebar lists existing procedures in real time, and its AI copilot warns you if a name clash is likely before execution.
Only if you have confirmed no active sessions depend on it. Use information_schema.routine_usage or application logs to audit usage first.
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