440

I'm using MySQL 5.7.13 on my windows PC with WAMP Server.

My problem is while executing this query

SELECT *
FROM `tbl_customer_pod_uploads`
WHERE `load_id` = '78' AND
      `status` = 'Active'
GROUP BY `proof_type`

I'm getting always error like this.

Expression #1 of SELECT list is not in GROUP BY clause and contains nonaggregated column 'returntr_prod.tbl_customer_pod_uploads.id' which is not functionally dependent on columns in GROUP BY clause; this is incompatible with sql_mode=only_full_group_by

Can you please tell me the best solution?

My result should be like below:

+----+---------+---------+---------+----------+-----------+------------+---------------+--------------+------------+--------+---------------------+---------------------+
| id | user_id | load_id | bill_id | latitude | langitude | proof_type | document_type | file_name    | is_private | status | createdon           | updatedon           |
+----+---------+---------+---------+----------+-----------+------------+---------------+--------------+------------+--------+---------------------+---------------------+
|  1 |       1 | 78      | 1       | 21.1212  | 21.5454   |          1 |             1 | id_Card.docx |          0 | Active | 2017-01-27 11:30:11 | 2017-01-27 11:30:14 |
+----+---------+---------+---------+----------+-----------+------------+---------------+--------------+------------+--------+---------------------+---------------------+
11
  • 42
    Don't use SELECT *.
    – shmosel
    Commented Jan 27, 2017 at 5:29
  • 4
  • 4
    If you want compatibility for old queries, you can turn off the only_full_group_by SQL mode.
    – Barmar
    Commented Jan 27, 2017 at 5:33
  • 15
    Try using ANY_VALUE(proof_type): dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.7/en/group-by-handling.html SELECT *, ANY_VALUE(proof_type) FROM tbl_customer_pod_uploads WHERE load_id = '78' AND status = 'Active' GROUP BY proof_type
    – AlexGach
    Commented Dec 29, 2017 at 21:56
  • 3
    The tricky thing here is that if you don't set sql_mode at all in my.cnf ( i.e it's absent) when you upgrade the mysql 5.7 you suddenly get this only_full_group_by issue by default . set sql_mode='' in my.cnf solves the issue
    – zzapper
    Commented Jan 12, 2018 at 14:42

33 Answers 33

628

This

Expression #1 of SELECT list is not in GROUP BY clause and contains nonaggregated column 'returntr_prod.tbl_customer_pod_uploads.id' which is not functionally dependent on columns in GROUP BY clause; this is incompatible with sql_mode=only_full_group_by

will be simply solved by changing the sql mode in MySQL by this command.

SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));

This too works for me. I used this, because in my project there are many queries like this so I just changed the sql mode to only_full_group_by.

OR simply include all columns in the GROUP BY clause that was specified by the SELECT statement. The sql_mode can be left enabled.

Thank You. :-)


Updated:14 Jul 2023

Changing SQL mode is a solution, but still, the best practice for Structured Query Language will be avoid selecting all (SELECT * ...) columns, instead use aggregator functions on the grouping columns as mentioned by @Tim Biegeleisen below answers https://stackoverflow.com/a/41887524/3602846

22
  • 31
    It works for me!. You save my day. Remember to RESTART MYSQL SERVICE Commented Jan 15, 2019 at 17:26
  • 4
    If i am using codeigniter and i want to execute in model, then how would i use it ? Can help me ? @marcode_ely Commented Apr 27, 2019 at 4:11
  • 6
    MySQL 5.7.29, didn't need to restart the service
    – Taavi
    Commented May 1, 2020 at 20:56
  • 8
    I'm using the server version: 5.7.31-0ubuntu0.16.04.1 - (Ubuntu), and whenever I start my machine, i set it every time, Is there any permanent fix for this? Commented Aug 24, 2020 at 6:27
  • 6
    NOTE: changing the sql_mode will not affect stored procedures. So you need to drop and execute SP again to take affect
    – Abeer Sul
    Commented Jan 10, 2021 at 21:38
215

When MySQL's only_full_group_by mode is turned on, it means that strict ANSI SQL rules will apply when using GROUP BY. With regard to your query, this means that if you GROUP BY of the proof_type column, then you can only select two things:

  • the proof_type column, or
  • aggregates of any other column


By "aggregates" of other columns, I mean using an aggregate function such as MIN(), MAX(), or AVG() with another column. So in your case the following query would be valid:

SELECT proof_type,
       MAX(id) AS max_id,
       MAX(some_col),
       MIN(some_other_col)
FROM tbl_customer_pod_uploads
WHERE load_id = '78' AND
      status = 'Active'
GROUP BY proof_type

The vast majority of MySQL GROUP BY questions which I see on SO have strict mode turned off, so the query is running, but with incorrect results. In your case, the query won't run at all, forcing you to think about what you really want to do.

Note: The ANSI SQL extends what is allowed to be selected in GROUP BY by also including columns which are functionally dependent on the column(s) being selected. An example of functional dependency would be grouping by a primary key column in a table. Since the primary key is guaranteed to be unique for every record, therefore the value of any other column would also be determined. MySQL is one of the databases which allows for this (SQL Server and Oracle do not AFAIK).

8
  • 4
    Just one note: The result is not incorrect (it follows MySQL rules), but it is unpredictable, meaning, columns not part of group by and not aggregated (and not functionally dependent) will return a 'random' value from the corresponding group. As the manual states: "the server is free to choose any value from each group"
    – Pred
    Commented Jan 27, 2017 at 6:36
  • 18
    +1 for me. I have no idea why the "accepted" answer above has been accepted. Your way is the correct way and the accepted answer is the usual hacky fix which will lead to more issues in future.
    – Jcov
    Commented Aug 26, 2020 at 10:23
  • 6
    @Jcov ... and I couldn't agree with your comment more +1. Turning off the ANSI restriction on GROUP BY is almost always a bad idea. It scares me that so many users are taking the wrong advice and using it. Commented Aug 26, 2020 at 10:29
  • 3
    @TimBiegeleisen welcome to modern copy+paste development. "I don't need to think, someone who has read a random thing somewhere from an unreliable source has already done the thinking for me".
    – Jcov
    Commented Aug 26, 2020 at 10:33
  • 5
    This should be the accepted answer. It answers the question of the best solution and explains why it doesn't work in the current setup. Not all developers have access to these settings or are allowed to change these settings.
    – Bird87 ZA
    Commented Apr 21, 2021 at 15:27
213

There is a system variable ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY in MySql engine.

From Mysql Version 5.7.5: ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY SQL mode is enabled by default

Before Version 5.7.5: ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY was not enabled by default.

If the ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY SQL mode is enabled (which it is by default from version 5.7.5), MySQL rejects queries for which the select list, HAVING condition, or ORDER BY list refer to non-aggregated columns that are neither named in the GROUP BY clause nor are functionally dependent on them.

To sort out the issue, use any one solution (out of below 3)

(1) PHPMyAdmin

Disable: ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY mode

if you are using phpMyAdmin then change the sql_mode setting as mentioned in the below screenshot. enter image description here

Edit sql mode variable and remove the ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY text from the value

OR

(2) SQL/Command prompt

Disable: ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY mode by running the below command.

SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));

OR

(3) Don't use SELECT *

Do not disable the ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY mode but

Use relevant column in SELECT query. relevant means columns, which are either coming in group by clause or column with the aggregate function (MAX, MIN, SUM, COUNT etc)


Important note

Changes made by using point(1) OR point(2) does not set it PERMANENTLY, and it will revert after every restart.

So you should set this in your config file (e.g. /etc/mysql/my.cnf in the [mysqld] section), so that the changes remain in effect after MySQL restart:

Config File: /etc/mysql/my.cnf

Variable name: sql_mode OR sql-mode

Remove word ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY from the value and save the file.

Note: If you have not found sql_mode variable in the config file than please insert below 2 lines at the end of the file

[mysqld]
sql_mode = STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION
5
  • 1
    Thank you so much for the above answer. I want to change this as you said in my my.cnf. But when I open that file, it opens only in read-only mode. Any helps or reference links???. I use Ubuntu 16.04 Commented Oct 29, 2020 at 3:20
  • 2
    (1) Change the file permission of file my.cnf by using the command "chmod". (2) Perform changes in my.cnf (3) set it read-only again (change file permission again using "chmod") (4) restart mysql Commented Oct 29, 2020 at 6:34
  • I have removed that option. but still I see the error Commented Sep 21, 2021 at 10:18
  • SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY','')); This is working fine for me.
    – w.Daya
    Commented Oct 26, 2021 at 8:08
  • @RakeshSoni can u mention the syntax for newer versions of mysql as well as this syntax in point 3 does not allow restarting mysql server > 5.7. UPDATE: Newer versions of Mysql (e.g. 5.7.8 or above) may require slightly different syntax: [mysqld] sql-mode="STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION" Commented Jul 13, 2023 at 8:23
177

only_full_group_by = on tells MySQL engine: Do not apply GROUP BY when you have doubt about what results to show and throw an error. Only apply it if Group By specifically tells you what to do. i.e. when the Group By is full and perfect!

only_full_group_by = off tells MySQL engine: always apply GROUP BY and if you have doubt about what results to choose, just pick one randomly!

You don't have to turn it off if you use GROUP BY properly!

Example:

Table: users

 id   |  name
----------------
  1      ali
  2      john
  3      ali

When you use GROUP BY on the name column:

SELECT * FROM users GROUP BY name;

There are two possible results:

  1      ali
  2      john     

OR

  2      john
  3      ali

MYSQL does not know what result to choose! Because there are different ids but both have name=ali.

Solution 1:

only selecting the name field:

SELECT name FROM users GROUP BY name;

result:

  ali
  john     

This is a perfect solution. removing columns that makes GROUP BY confused. This means you know what you're doing. Usually, you do not need
those columns, but if you need them, go to Solution 3. (Not solution 2!)

Solution 2:

Turning off only_full_group_by. MYSQL will pick one of the two possible results RANDOMLY!! (It's ok if you do not really care what id it will choose, but remember to turn it on immediately after your query to prevent unexpected behaviors in future groupBys)

Solution 3

Use an Aggregate function like MIN(), MAX() to help MYSQL to decide what it must choose.

For example:

SELECT MAX(id), name FROM users GROUP BY name;

It will choose the ali row which has the maximum id:

  2      john     
  3      ali

Side Note: Please notice MySQL does not care what data you have in your table. It's the query itself that is ambiguous. So for example you may have even no records in the table and still see the only_full_group_by error.

5
  • 28
    This answer helped me understand it best. Thank you.
    – DiddleDot
    Commented Mar 17, 2021 at 16:09
  • Thanks so much to explain this issue. Now I understand better what is wrong in my query!
    – Synkronice
    Commented May 24, 2022 at 18:28
  • and if there are no ambiguous fields, because after a "LEFT JOIN" only one record goes? Then why I get this?
    – John Smith
    Commented Sep 11, 2022 at 14:18
  • 1
    @JohnSmith did not quite get what you mean, but I think for your specific table data you get only one record, so if you had more (different) data, you would get multiple results? I think Mysql does not care (predict) if you will have one or many results, it's the query and the fields that comes after SELECT that are ambiguous. Commented Sep 11, 2022 at 14:33
  • yes, it could be. Thanks.
    – John Smith
    Commented Sep 11, 2022 at 14:48
46

Below method solved my problem:

In ubuntu

Type: sudo vi /etc/mysql/my.cnf

type A to enter insert mode

In the last line paste below two line code:

[mysqld]
sql_mode = STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION

Type esc to exit input mode

Type :wq to save and close vim.

Type sudo service mysql restart to restart MySQL.

1
  • 4
    thanks, it worked ! in cent os, whm, my.cnf was located at sudo vi /etc/my.cnf
    – Reejesh PK
    Commented Apr 24, 2020 at 9:33
32

You can disable sql_mode=only_full_group_by by some command you can try this by terminal or MySql IDE

mysql> set global sql_mode='STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION';

mysql> set session sql_mode='STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION';
0
26

In Ubuntu

Step 1:

sudo vi /etc/mysql/mysql.conf.d/mysqld.cnf

Step 2: Go to last line and add the following

sql_mode = ""

Step 3: Save

Step 4: Restart mysql server.

0
24

Hi instead of taking all columns, just take what you need by using ANY_VALUE(column_name). It is working perfectly. Just check.

E.g.:

SELECT proof_type,any_value("customer_name") as customer_name
FROM `tbl_customer_pod_uploads`
WHERE `load_id` = '78' AND `status` = 'Active' GROUP BY `proof_type`
1
  • 3
    This worked for me. The MySQL docs state "This function is useful for GROUP BY queries when the ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY SQL mode is enabled, for cases when MySQL rejects a query that you know is valid for reasons that MySQL cannot determine." So if your DB user doesn't have permissions to turn off 'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY', this is another option to consider. Commented Oct 15, 2021 at 16:11
15

From how it looks, I think grouping by multiple columns/fields wont hurt your result. Why don't you try adding to the group by like this:

GROUP BY `proof_type`, `id`

This will group by proof_type first then id. I hope this does not alter the results. In some/most cases group by multiple columns gives wrong results.

13

For the query to be legal in SQL92, the name column must be omitted from the select list or named in the GROUP BY clause.

SQL99 and later permits such nonaggregates per optional feature T301 if they are functionally dependent on GROUP BY columns: If such a relationship exists between name and custid, the query is legal. This would be the case, for example, were custid a primary key of customers.

MySQL 5.7.5 and up implements detection of functional dependence. If the ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY SQL mode is enabled (which it is by default), MySQL rejects queries for which the select list, HAVING condition, or ORDER BY list refer to nonaggregated columns that are neither named in the GROUP BY clause nor are functionally dependent on them.

via MySQL :: MySQL 5.7 Reference Manual :: 12.19.3 MySQL Handling of GROUP BY

You can solve it by changing the sql mode with this command:

SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));

and ... remember to reconnect the database!!!

0
12

Update for MySQL 8.0

Your sql-mode will not have NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER as it has been removed as mentioned here - how-to-set-sql-mode-in-my-cnf-in-mysql-8

[mysqld]
sql-mode = "STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION"

Also if someone doesn't have a my.cnf file then they can create a new one in /etc/mysql/my.cnf and then add the above lines.

10
> sudo nano /etc/mysql/my.cnf

Enter below

[mysqld]
sql_mode = ""

Ctrl + O => Y = Ctrl + X

> sudo service mysql restart
0
10

I was facing this issue and the following query wasn't enough

SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));

because I was using Stored Procedure. After executing this query I had to drop the procedure and create again.

0
10

Two solutions:

a) Use

SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));

b) You can achieve the same effect without disabling ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY by using ANY_VALUE() to refer to the nonaggregated column.

ANY_VALUE(value)

1
  • 1
    I have to use it like this for it to work: SET @@sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY','')); Commented Apr 8, 2022 at 15:27
8

go to the phpmyadmin and open the console and execute this request

SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));
8

In my case, This was my old sql_mode

sql_mode="ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY,STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION"

You can check sql_mode with

show variables like "sql_mode";

then i SET it as this

SET sql_mode='STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION';
6

Before running you query run bellow query

SET SQL_MODE = '';
1
6

Step 1. Check sql mode:

SELECT @@GLOBAL.sql_mode;

Step 2. Create a new configuration file under the /etc/mysql/conf.d/ directory:

sudo nano /etc/mysql/conf.d/disable_strict_mode.cnf

Enter the text below on the editor:

[mysqld]

sql_mode=STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION

Step 3. Restart MySQL:

sudo service mysql restart

Step 4. Confirm the change:

SELECT @@GLOBAL.sql_mode;
5

I had similar problem with part of my database crushing. What I did is I changed the parameter in the DB via PHPStorm database console like this:

   SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''));

works like charm now

4

Search for "SQL mode" if you are using PhpMyAdmin and take off the value: ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY, just did and it okay.

2
  1. Login to phpMyAdmin
  2. Navigate to : Server: localhost:3306 and do not select any database
  3. Click on variables from the top menu
  4. Search for "sql mode" and edit the corresponding value to : NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION

That's all.

I did this in my Ec2 and it worked like charm.

2

Here is a really fast and easy way of setting it permanently

NB: running SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY','')); is temporary and on server restart you will still end up with the error. To fix this permanently do the below

  1. Login to your server as root
  2. in your terminal run wget https://gist.githubusercontent.com/nfourtythree/90fb8ef5eeafdf478f522720314c60bd/raw/disable-strict-mode.sh
  3. Make the script executable by running chmod +x disable-strict-mode.sh
  4. Run the script by running ./disable-strict-mode.sh

And your done , changes will be made to mysql and it will be restarted

1
  1. Set global sql_mode='STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION';

  2. If the problem persists and you are using Laravel, set 'strict' to false in config/database.php

    'mysql' => [ ... 'strict' => false, ... ],

1

SET sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY',''))

0

For The ones using CentOS/RHEL (Linux server) and XAMPP Locally

Hello, I've come to a very different solution and I hope this helps somone. (May look overkill but this really worked for me unlike other solutions)

I am running CentOS 7 and all my code was working locally, but when I uploaded it to my server I started getting the error which this question addresses.

After some hours I tried viewing the problem from a different angle, I remembered that my local setup uses XAMPP and I thought I was using MySQL 8 (MySQL 8 was installed on my server).

But after logging in into MySql from XAMPP I got the next output:

mysql -u root -p //Login


Welcome to the MariaDB monitor.  Commands end with ; or \g.
Your MariaDB connection id is 27
Server version: 10.4.18-MariaDB mariadb.org binary distribution

Copyright (c) 2000, 2018, Oracle, MariaDB Corporation Ab and others.

Type 'help;' or '\h' for help. Type '\c' to clear the current input statement.

Yes you may have noticed the same, XAMPP uses MariaDB, so the solution was to uninstall mysql and install MariaDB

And as I am running Centos 7 the steps to do this are the ones below:

  1. Remove mysql from your server

# yum remove mysql mysql-server
  1. Update your system (this is common everytime we install something new)

# sudo yum  -y update
  1. Add MariaDB to repository

# sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/MariaDB.repo<<EOF 
[mariadb]
name = MariaDB
baseurl = http://yum.mariadb.org/10.4/centos7-amd64
gpgkey=https://yum.mariadb.org/RPM-GPG-KEY-MariaDB
gpgcheck=1
EOF
  1. Update cache

# sudo yum makecache fast
  1. Install MariaDB

# sudo yum -y install MariaDB-server MariaDB-client
  1. Add MariaDB to the startup (Start MariaDB every time your system gets restarted)

#sudo systemctl enable --now mariadb

Then you can secure your installation by running the next command:

# sudo mysql_secure_installation

This last command will begin a process where you can set password, and other options.

After that dont forget to add non-root user and grant it the necessary privileges, that's because you can't use root user in your applications (Yes I had to figure that out later)

First Login using the root account:

# mysql -u root -p

Then add your user and grant privileges:

CREATE USER 'YourUserName'@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'YourPassword';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON *.* TO 'YourUserName'@localhost IDENTIFIED BY 'YourPassword' WITH GRANT OPTION;

And finally you have to create your database, import your tables/data/triggers/procedures.

Now you will be able to run your code without any problems, just as your local setup. (Maybe you will have to install mysql extensions in case you had to do it locally too).

0

You can also simply add GROUP_CONCAT() to the nonaggregated columns.

like GROUP_CONCAT(your_column)

0

Login to phpMyAdmin Navigate to : Server: http://localhost/phpmyadmin and do not select any database Click on SQL from the top menu and pest below code Run SQL query/queries on server SET GLOBAL sql_mode=(SELECT REPLACE(@@sql_mode,'ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY','')); Sorce link

0

If you are using MAMP on Mac, any change to the variable in MySQL will be erased when you restart MAMP. To make sure the change is permanent do the following:

Stop the MAMP Servers that are running.

Use a text editor to create a file named my.cnf and save it to the /Applications/MAMP/conf folder. Put the file at the root of the folder (which seems a bit odd as it contains tons of apache folders and all but that's ok). Add the following lines into the file:

[mysqld]
sql_mode = STRICT_TRANS_TABLES,NO_ZERO_IN_DATE,NO_ZERO_DATE,ERROR_FOR_DIVISION_BY_ZERO,NO_AUTO_CREATE_USER,NO_ENGINE_SUBSTITUTION

Save the file and close your editor. Start the MAMP servers.

This will make the change permanent.

0

if you don't want to disable ONLY_FULL_GROUP_BY mode you just have to specify every columns you want to select in GROUP BY clause too.

Don't use wildcard (*) and make sure your columns are relevant for your needs

0

Sometimes you just need to check whether your query has the right order and the way of order.

GROUP BY pp.id_product
FIELD(pp.id_product, 1600, 1870, 2300 );

This won't run until you add the direction (DESC or ASC) of the ordering to the query.

GROUP BY pp.id_product
FIELD(pp.id_product, 1600, 1870, 2300 ) DESC;

This will do the trick as well without messing with the session and global settings of the server.

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