<p>MySQL raises ER_SP_RECURSION_LIMIT (1456) when a stored procedure or function calls itself more times than allowed by max_sp_recursion_depth.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1456: ER_SP_RECURSION_LIMIT appears when a stored routine exceeds the recursion depth set in the global or session variable max_sp_recursion_depth. Lower the recursion level in your code or raise the variable (up to 255) with SET max_sp_recursion_depth = N to resolve the problem.</p>
Recursive limit %d (as set by the max_sp_recursion_depth
The exact message is: "Recursive limit %d (as set by the max_sp_recursion_depth variable) was exceeded for routine %s". MySQL throws it when a stored procedure or function calls itself too many times.
MySQL uses the system variable max_sp_recursion_depth to cap nesting at a safe number (default 0 - meaning recursion is disabled). When the depth counter passes that limit, execution stops and error 1456 is returned.
Unlimited recursion can consume stack and memory, leading to server crashes or long-running sessions. The depth limit protects the database from runaway code.
Administrators can raise the limit to a maximum of 255 if the logic truly requires deeper recursion, but most production routines run efficiently under 32 levels.
Common triggers include mistakenly unbounded recursive procedures, business logic that needs more depth than the default, or forgetting to reset max_sp_recursion_depth after disabling recursion.
The error can also appear in mutual recursion, where Procedure A calls B and B calls A, forming a loop that quickly hits the ceiling.
First inspect the routine for logic errors. Add an exit condition to stop unnecessary calls. If recursion is intentional, raise max_sp_recursion_depth temporarily with SET for the session, or permanently with a configuration change.
After changing the variable, rerun the procedure to confirm the error no longer occurs and that performance remains acceptable.
Design routines with clear terminating conditions, prefer iterative loops when possible, and set max_sp_recursion_depth to the smallest value that satisfies business needs. Monitor procedure execution time and depth during testing.
Using a modern SQL editor like Galaxy helps surface long call chains with inline profiling so developers can refactor before pushing code to production.
The default value of max_sp_recursion_depth is 0, which forbids any recursive call. Even a single self-call triggers error 1456.
A loop that never satisfies its termination test keeps recursing until the depth counter exceeds the configured limit.
Two or more stored routines calling each other without a depth guard quickly reach the maximum depth and raise the error.
Raised when the runtime stack for stored routines overflows, often accompanying deep recursion.
Occurs when a procedure references a nonexistent column, unrelated to recursion but common during refactors.
Appears when you attempt to create a routine that directly references itself in the definition.
No, MySQL hard-codes the upper limit at 255 to protect server stability.
Higher limits allow deeper stacks, which consume more memory per call. Monitor performance after any change.
SET GLOBAL changes the limit for new sessions. Current sessions need a separate SET SESSION command.
Galaxy flags deep call chains during code review and provides AI suggestions to convert recursion to loops or adjust the depth variable safely.
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