Common SQL Errors

MySQL Error 2057: CR_NEW_STMT_METADATA - How to Fix and Prevent

Galaxy Team
August 5, 2025

MySQL client error 2057 signals a mismatch between the number of columns returned by a prepared statement and the bound result buffers.

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What is MySQL error 2057 (CR_NEW_STMT_METADATA)?

MySQL Error 2057: CR_NEW_STMT_METADATA occurs when a prepared statement’s result set has more columns than the buffers bound with mysql_stmt_bind_result. Reset the statement, rebind the correct number of columns, and execute again to resolve the mismatch.

Error Highlights

Typical Error Message

The number of columns in the result set differs from the number of bound buffers. You must reset the statement, rebind the result set columns, and execute the statement again

Error Type

Client Error

Language

MySQL

Symbol

CR_NEW_STMT_METADATA

Error Code

2057

SQL State

Explanation

Table of Contents

What is MySQL error 2057 (CR_NEW_STMT_METADATA)?

Error 2057 appears when the MySQL client library detects that the number of columns in the result set has changed since the last call to mysql_stmt_bind_result. The statement’s metadata is considered new, so existing buffers no longer align with the server response.

This error is common in C, C++, PHP, and Go programs that reuse prepared statements after an ALTER TABLE, a different SELECT list, or a stored procedure that returns variable columns.

Ignoring the change leads to undefined data reads, so MySQL stops execution and returns CR_NEW_STMT_METADATA.

What Causes This Error?

Prepared statements cache metadata at prepare time. If the query later returns a different column count, the client and server are out of sync.

MySQL flags this mismatch with error 2057 to protect data integrity.

Typical triggers include SELECT * after column additions, statements that switch between stored procedure result sets, and client code that calls mysql_stmt_execute on a statement prepared for a different query.

How to Fix MySQL Error 2057

Reset the statement with mysql_stmt_reset or mysql_stmt_close, then prepare it again. Call mysql_stmt_bind_result with an array sized for the new column count.

Finally, execute the statement once more to fetch data safely.

In languages such as PHP (mysqli) or Go (database/sql), discard the old prepared statement object and create a fresh one before binding variables. This guarantees the buffer layout matches the new metadata.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

After an ALTER TABLE adds or drops columns, any cached prepared statement that selects * must be re-prepared.

Running mysql_stmt_reset followed by mysql_stmt_prepare with the same SQL resolves the mismatch.

Stored procedures that conditionally RETURN different SELECT lists require closing and reopening the statement for each branch. Alternatively, design the procedure to always return a fixed column set.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error

Always prepare statements immediately before execution if table schemas may change during the session. Avoid using SELECT * in long-lived prepared statements.

Bind result buffers only after the final mysql_stmt_prepare call.

In Galaxy, each query execution uses a fresh server-side prepare cycle, ensuring column changes are detected automatically. Versioning and team endorsements help teams refactor queries without leaving stale prepared statements in code.

Related Errors and Solutions

Error 2031 (CR_COMMANDS_OUT_OF_SYNC) signals that mysql_stmt_bind_result or other calls are made in the wrong order. Ensure the sequence is prepare, bind, execute, fetch.

Error 2051 (CR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED) appears if the client library lacks support for a newer server feature.

Upgrading libmysql or the connector often resolves it.

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Common Causes

Related Errors

FAQs

Why did this error start after an ALTER TABLE?

ALTER TABLE changes the column layout. Any prepared statement cached before the change now has outdated metadata, triggering error 2057 until it is re-prepared.

Can I disable metadata checks?

MySQL does not allow disabling this safeguard because reading columns into wrong buffers can corrupt data. Always re-prepare the statement instead.

Does this affect parameter binding?

No. Error 2057 only concerns result buffers. Input parameters remain valid as long as their count and types do not change.

How does Galaxy help prevent this issue?

Galaxy executes each query in a fresh prepare-execute cycle, so column mismatches are resolved automatically. Shared, versioned queries reduce the risk of hidden schema changes.

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