<p>The error appears when a partition function uses an unsupported or invalid expression for the current MySQL version, blocking table creation or alteration.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1521: ER_PARTITION_FUNCTION_FAILURE occurs when a table partitioning expression is not supported in the running MySQL version. Update the expression to a supported function or upgrade MySQL to resolve the issue.</p>
Partition function not supported in this version for this
MySQL throws error 1521 when it cannot compile the partition function used in a CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE statement. The engine detects an expression that the current version does not allow inside PARTITION BY clauses.
The failure stops the DDL statement, leaving the table unchanged. Fixing it quickly is essential because partition definitions must be valid before any data can be inserted.
Unsupported built-in functions such as TO_SECONDS or custom UDFs inside partition keys trigger the issue. Earlier MySQL versions restrict non-deterministic or timezone-dependent expressions.
Incorrect data types or implicit conversions in the partition column also cause compilation failures, as do expressions involving nullable columns.
First, rewrite the partition expression with a supported deterministic function like UNIX_TIMESTAMP or TO_DAYS. Ensure the column data type matches the function output.
If you require the unsupported function, upgrade to a MySQL version that adds support. Always test the DDL in a staging database before production rollout.
Creating time-series tables with DATE columns partitioned by TO_SECONDS often fails on MySQL 5.6. Replace TO_SECONDS with UNIX_TIMESTAMP or migrate to MySQL 8.0 where TO_SECONDS is allowed.
Altering an existing table to add partitions on VARCHAR keys fails because string columns are illegal in RANGE partitions. Convert the key to INT or BINARY first.
Plan partition schemes during schema design and validate them against the server version. Stick to deterministic, timezone-independent functions.
Use a modern SQL editor like Galaxy to lint partition statements, surface version compatibility warnings, and share vetted DDL snippets across the team.
Error 1503 (ER_PARTITION_ALREADY_EXISTS) appears when a duplicate partition name is supplied. Rename or drop the conflicting partition before retrying.
Error 1502 (ER_PARTITION_CONST_DOMAIN_ERROR) surfaces when partition values are out of range. Confirm boundary values align with the chosen RANGE expression.
Using TO_SECONDS, WEEK, or other functions not allowed in older MySQL versions.
Partitioning by columns that depend on NOW() or CONVERT_TZ leads to failure.
Partition key returns a string while RANGE expects an integer.
MySQL blocks partitioning when the expression can evaluate to NULL.
Raised when partition range values are out of domain.
Occurs if you repeat a partition name during creation.
Appears when subpartitioning options conflict with the main partition function.
No. NOW() is non-deterministic and disallowed. Use UNIX_TIMESTAMP(date_column) instead.
No. MySQL 8.0 allows TO_SECONDS in partitioning, so upgrading resolves the error.
An index change will not affect partition function validity. Fix the expression or upgrade MySQL.
Galaxy's context-aware linting flags unsupported partition functions and suggests compatible alternatives before execution.
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