<p>The error appears when a LOAD DATA statement references an invalid, missing, or duplicate column.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1611 ER_LOAD_DATA_INVALID_COLUMN happens when LOAD DATA lists a column that does not exist or is repeated in the target table. Confirm column names, reorder fields to match table definition, or upgrade past 5.7.7 where the check was removed to resolve the issue.</p>
Invalid column reference (%s) in LOAD DATA
Error 1611 signals that a column specified in a LOAD DATA statement is invalid. MySQL detects a name that is missing in the target table, appears twice, or violates naming rules.
The check existed up to version 5.7.7 and was later removed, meaning newer servers silently ignore unknown columns. Legacy systems still raise the error, so understanding it remains essential for maintenance.
The LOAD DATA command is commonly used for high speed bulk imports. When the column list is wrong, the import stops immediately, leaving tables partially filled and workflows blocked.
Quickly fixing the statement avoids downtime, preserves data integrity, and keeps automated ETL pipelines running.
An invalid column reference is the prime trigger. It may be a typo, a column removed from the schema, or a duplicate name in the column list.
Using LOAD DATA with SET clauses that assign to nonexistent columns or quoting column names incorrectly can also produce the error.
First, query INFORMATION_SCHEMA.COLUMNS to verify the exact column set. Align the FIELD TERMINATED list with that order.
If upgrading past 5.7.7 is possible, the server will skip this check, but it is still best practice to correct the statement to avoid silent data loss.
Scenario: A table recently had a column dropped, but the import script was not updated. Solution: remove the obsolete column from the LOAD DATA column list.
Scenario: Columns were rearranged in the schema. Solution: explicitly enumerate the new column order in the LOAD DATA statement instead of relying on position.
Automate schema drift detection so ETL scripts update alongside DDL changes. Version control your import scripts next to migrations.
Use Galaxy Collections to store endorsed LOAD DATA commands. Team members can see column lineage and avoid typos before running imports.
Error 1054 ER_BAD_FIELD_ERROR arises on SELECT or UPDATE when a column is missing. Fix by verifying the column name or alias.
Error 1060 ER_DUP_FIELDNAME occurs during CREATE TABLE when a duplicate column name is declared. Rename or remove duplicates to resolve.
A simple misspelled column name in the LOAD DATA column list.
The table structure changed but the import script was not updated.
The same column appears twice in the LOAD DATA column list.
Backticks or reserved keywords used improperly around column names.
Raised when a query references a non-existent column. Verify names or aliases.
Occurs during CREATE TABLE or ALTER TABLE when a duplicate column is declared. Rename or drop duplicates.
Raised during data load when a value cannot convert to the target column type. Clean or cast the input.
No. From MySQL 5.7.8 onward the check was removed. Older versions still raise it.
Yes, omitting the column list makes MySQL map fields in order, but this risks data shifts if the table changes.
Yes. Assigning to a nonexistent column in the SET clause will produce Error 1611 in versions that include the check.
Galaxy autocompletes column names from live schema metadata, reducing typos and flagging missing columns before execution.
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