How to Solve MySQL's 'You can't specify target table for update in FROM clause' Error?

Troubleshooting MySQL's "You can't specify target table for update in FROM clause" Error

The Issue:

Encountering the error "You can't specify target table for update in FROM clause" during a MySQL UPDATE statement targeting a table (e.g., pers) indicates a limitation in MySQL's query processing.

Example Scenario:

Let's say you have the following UPDATE query:

<code class="language-sql">UPDATE pers P
SET P.gehalt = P.gehalt * 1.05
WHERE (P.chefID IS NOT NULL OR gehalt < ... ); </code>

This query attempts to update the gehalt column in the pers table based on conditions involving the same pers table, causing the error.

Why This Happens:

MySQL's restriction prevents ambiguous updates where the FROM clause could lead to unintended modifications.

The Solution:

The workaround involves creating a temporary alias of the table using a subquery:

<code class="language-sql">UPDATE pers P
SET P.gehalt = (SELECT T.gehalt * 1.05 FROM (SELECT * FROM pers) AS T WHERE T.persID = P.persID)
WHERE (P.chefID IS NOT NULL OR P.gehalt < ...);</code>

This revised query avoids the direct reference to pers within the UPDATE statement itself. The subquery (SELECT * FROM pers) AS T creates a temporary table alias T, allowing the UPDATE statement to reference the necessary data without violating MySQL's rule.

Important Note:

While using SELECT * simplifies the example, for optimal performance, select only the required columns from the pers table in the subquery. Always include a relevant WHERE clause in your subquery to ensure efficient data retrieval. In the example above, WHERE T.persID = P.persID is crucial for correctly matching rows between the main UPDATE statement and the subquery.

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