<p>MySQL raises ER_VIEW_RECURSIVE when a view definition directly or indirectly references itself, creating infinite recursion.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1462 ER_VIEW_RECURSIVE occurs when a view definition references itself and causes infinite recursion. Resolve it by altering or dropping the recursive view, removing circular references, or forcing ALGORITHM=MERGE or ALGORITHM=TEMPTABLE to break the loop.</p>
`%s`.`%s` contains view recursion
The server throws the message “schema.table contains view recursion” when it detects that a view definition depends on itself, either directly or through another view or stored routine. MySQL blocks the statement to prevent infinite loops during query execution.
This error commonly appears while creating, altering, or selecting from a view that is part of a circular reference chain. Understanding the dependency graph is key to resolving it.
MySQL analyzes the dependency tree whenever you CREATE VIEW, ALTER VIEW, or run SELECT against a view. If the tree loops back to the same view, recursion is flagged. Direct self-reference, nested views referencing each other, or routines that call the view inside its own definition all trigger error 1462.
Using the MERGE algorithm can expose hidden recursion because definitions are inlined. Even seemingly harmless SELECT * FROM my_view inside a trigger can create an indirect cycle.
Break the circular dependency by rewriting the view, replacing the self-referencing part with a base table or subquery. Alternatively, materialize the view with ALGORITHM=TEMPTABLE to stop MySQL from inlining definitions. Dropping and recreating the problematic view after adjusting references is the fastest remedy.
Always test with SHOW CREATE VIEW to confirm the dependency tree is linear before deploying to production.
Scenario: View A selects from View B, and View B selects from View A. Solution: merge both definitions into one non-recursive view or split logic into a temp table.
Scenario: A stored procedure updates a table and then queries a view that selects from the same table via another view. Solution: move the update logic outside the view chain or use a temporary table to stage results.
Document all view relationships and avoid deep nesting. Limit each view to one business purpose and favor base tables in definitions. Use automated dependency checks in CI pipelines. Galaxy’s version-controlled SQL collections surface dependency graphs so engineers spot recursion early.
Test new views in an isolated schema, run EXPLAIN against them, and prefer ALGORITHM=TEMPTABLE when a definition risks indirect recursion.
Error 1356 View's SELECT contains a subquery in the FROM clause - fix by rewriting the subquery.
Error 1359 View's SELECT references a table it should not - resolve by adding DEFINER privileges or adjusting SQL SECURITY.
The view includes its own name inside the FROM clause, immediately creating recursion.
Two or more views reference each other in a cycle, often hidden several layers deep.
A procedure, function, or trigger calls a view that selects from the same routine’s target table via another view.
Using ALGORITHM=MERGE causes MySQL to inline view SQL, exposing circular references not obvious in the written definition.
Raised when a subquery is not allowed inside a view definition. Rewrite the query or move logic to a derived table.
Occurs when the view lacks proper privileges or references a temporary table. Grant permissions or change the source.
Triggered when the view's DEFINER user no longer exists. Alter the view with a valid DEFINER clause.
No. MySQL blocks recursive view definitions to protect the server from infinite loops. Use recursive common table expressions instead, available from MySQL 8.0.
Temptable materializes the view and often breaks recursion, but it may impact performance. Test query plans before adopting.
Query information_schema.view_table_usage and view_routine_usage, or use Galaxy's dependency explorer to visualize view hierarchies.
Dropping a view referenced by others will fail unless you drop or alter dependent views first. Use CASCADE where supported or adjust definitions manually.
.avif)
.avif){kind=logo}
