Why Can't I Access My MySQL Table Even Though SHOW TABLES Lists It?

MySQL Table Accessibility Issues Despite Table Presence

In a MySQL environment, users may encounter an enigmatic situation where a table listed in SHOW TABLES resides in the data directory but remains inaccessible for data retrieval. This apparent paradox has puzzled many and warrants investigation.

One potential hypothesis suggests that SHOW TABLES merely confirms the filesystem presence of table files. It does not delve into their integrity or corruption status. Thus, while the table files may be physically present, their compromised nature could explain the inability to access data from them.

A recent user encounter shed light on a specific scenario that mirrored this behavior. Upon changing the MySQL data directory, a database failed to relocate successfully except for one. The user could connect and utilize the database, and SHOW TABLES displayed all the tables correctly. Yet, attempts to retrieve data from any table resulted in an "doesn't exist" error.

Intriguingly, the solution to this perplexing problem lies in ensuring the presence of InnoDB-related files in the MySQL data directory root. These files include ibdata1, ib_logfile0, and ib_logfile1. By replicating these files, the user's database access was restored.

This discovery highlights the importance of verifying not only the presence of table files in the data directory but also their structural integrity. When faced with similar accessibility issues, users should meticulously examine their database setup and confirm the presence of all necessary files in the appropriate locations.

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