MySQL raises ER_INVALID_JSON_PATH (error 3143, SQLSTATE 42000) when it cannot parse the supplied JSON path expression.
MySQL ER_INVALID_JSON_PATH occurs when a JSON path expression is malformed or contains unsupported syntax. Fix it by rewriting the path, escaping special characters correctly, and upgrading to MySQL 5.7.8+ if needed.
ER_INVALID_JSON_PATH
MySQL throws ER_INVALID_JSON_PATH (error code 3143, SQLSTATE 42000) when it tries to evaluate a JSON path expression that contains invalid characters, wrong array notation, or unsupported functions. The server reports the approximate character offset where parsing stopped.
The error was introduced in MySQL 5.7.8 alongside the original JSON data type implementation. It usually appears in SELECT queries that call JSON_EXTRACT, JSON_SET, or other JSON functions, as well as in generated columns, CHECK constraints, and triggers that reference JSON paths.
Malformed JSON path syntax - extra dots, missing dollar sign, or unmatched brackets cause the parser to fail immediately.
Using single quotes instead of double quotes inside the path string leads to invalid token errors.
Unescaped special characters in identifiers such as spaces, dash, or backtick within the path also break parsing.
Referencing array positions with negative indexes or non-integer text is unsupported and triggers the error.
Running a JSON query on a MySQL version older than 5.7.8 that does not understand path operators will also fail.
Validate the path string quickly: every path must start with $. followed by object keys or [index] array selectors.
Escape object keys that contain special characters with double quotes inside the path - for example $."first name".
Replace single quotes around the path with double quotes or use the JSON_QUOTE helper to wrap variables safely.
Remove unsupported operators like ** or ? without upgrading to MySQL 8.0 where they are allowed.
Test the path with JSON_EXTRACT on a small sample row before adding it to views, triggers, or production code.
JSON_SET with typo: JSON_SET(doc, '$.addres.street', '5') - the missing s in address produces the error. Correct to '$.address.street'.
Dynamic column names: CONCAT('$.', col_name) may form '$..field' if col_name is NULL; enforce COALESCE(col_name,'') to avoid double dots.
Negative array index: JSON_EXTRACT(arr, '$[-1]') is invalid. Use JSON_LENGTH(arr)-1 to locate the last element.
Store path strings in constants or application code, not in user input, to prevent malformed values.
Run automated unit tests that parse every JSON path used in procedures with JSON_VALID and JSON_EXTRACT on stub data.
Upgrade to MySQL 8.0 for extended path syntax and clearer error messages.
Use Galaxy's intelligent SQL editor to lint JSON functions in real time and flag invalid paths before the query reaches the server.
ER_INVALID_JSON_TEXT (Error 3140) - raised when the JSON document itself is invalid, not the path.
ER_BAD_JSON_PATH_WILDCARD (Error 3146) - occurs when a path wildcard is misused.
ER_INVALID_JSON_CHARSET (Error 3144) - appears when the column charset is incompatible with JSON.
Extra dots, missing dollar sign, or unmatched brackets create invalid tokens.
Keys with spaces, dashes, or reserved words must be wrapped in double quotes.
Operators such as ** or ? require MySQL 8.0; using them on 5.7 triggers the error.
Single-quoted path strings inside functions lead to parsing failures.
The JSON document string is not valid; fix by correcting the JSON value.
A wildcard character is used in an invalid context within a JSON path.
The column or string has a charset not allowed for JSON data.
No - the JSON document is fine. The error only concerns the path expression used to query the JSON.
First introduced in 5.7.8 and present in all later versions including 8.0 lines.
No - the server must parse the path to execute the query. Always supply a valid path.
Galaxy highlights JSON path syntax in real time and offers AI fixes, preventing invalid queries from reaching MySQL.
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