<p>MySQL throws ER_VIEW_MULTIUPDATE when an UPDATE or DELETE tries to change more than one underlying table through a join or updatable view.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1393 ER_VIEW_MULTIUPDATE appears when a single UPDATE or DELETE targets multiple base tables through a join or view. Limit the statement to one base table or issue separate updates to fix the problem.</p>
Can not modify more than one base table through a join
Error 1393 fires when an UPDATE or DELETE statement touches more than one base table at once through a join or an updatable view. MySQL blocks the query to protect data consistency.
The full message is "Can not modify more than one base table through a join" and often references the offending view or join alias.
The error triggers in MySQL 5.0+ whenever the optimizer detects that the target query affects multiple underlying tables in a single write operation.
It typically appears in UPDATE ... JOIN, DELETE ... USING, or in statements run against updatable views that reference several tables.
Ignoring the error blocks data changes and can interrupt critical workflows. Fixing it ensures data updates execute safely and predictably.
Using UPDATE or DELETE with a JOIN clause that alters columns in more than one table fires the error.
Running UPDATE or DELETE on a view that maps to multiple base tables also triggers it, even if only one base table column is in the SET clause.
Rewrite the query so each statement targets one base table. Issue separate statements for each table or use a subquery to filter rows.
For complex updates, load affected row keys into a temporary table and update tables individually inside a transaction.
UPDATE ... JOIN that sets columns in both tables should be split into two updates, each referencing one table.
Views that reference multiple tables must be made read only or replaced with triggers that cascade needed changes.
Always design data modification queries to update only one table at a time. Use transactions to group related updates.
Document view definitions and prohibit direct writes to complex views using SQL security definer and read only privileges.
Error 1093: You can’t specify target table for update in FROM clause happens when a subquery references the table being updated. Use a derived table or temporary table.
Error 1394: Can not modify more than one base table through a view similarly blocks multi-table changes but is specific to MERGE statements.
Updating columns in both tables in an UPDATE ... JOIN query.
Deleting from a view or DELETE statement that references several tables.
Running UPDATE or DELETE on an updatable view that joins multiple tables.
Foreign key cascades that internally generate multi-table updates in certain MySQL versions.
Occurs when the target table also appears in a subquery. Fix by using a derived or temporary table.
Indicates metadata mismatch, often after DDL changes. Run FLUSH TABLES.
Not null violation during inserts or updates. Provide a valid value or change the schema.
Not with a single UPDATE ... JOIN. Use separate statements within a transaction.
No. It only applies to UPDATE and DELETE statements that modify data.
No. The error is structural, not a strictness issue. Query redesign is required.
Galaxy’s AI copilot analyzes your UPDATE statements and warns when multiple base tables are targeted, guiding you to split the query before execution.
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