Elasticsearch Error: Invalid aggregation name - Common Causes & Fixes

Brief Explanation

The "Invalid aggregation name" error in Elasticsearch occurs when an aggregation is defined with a name that doesn't meet Elasticsearch's naming requirements or contains invalid characters.

Common Causes

  1. Using reserved keywords as aggregation names
  2. Including special characters or spaces in the aggregation name
  3. Starting the aggregation name with numbers or underscores
  4. Using uppercase letters in the aggregation name

Troubleshooting and Resolution

  1. Review your aggregation names and ensure they:

    • Start with a lowercase letter
    • Contain only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores
    • Do not use reserved keywords
  2. Check for any typos or unintended characters in the aggregation names

  3. Rename any aggregations that don't comply with Elasticsearch naming conventions

  4. If using a client library or API, ensure that the aggregation names are properly escaped or formatted

  5. Verify that the aggregation name is not conflicting with any field names in your index

Best Practices

  1. Use descriptive, lowercase names for aggregations
  2. Stick to alphanumeric characters and underscores
  3. Avoid using reserved words or field names as aggregation names
  4. Consider using a naming convention for aggregations to maintain consistency

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What characters are allowed in Elasticsearch aggregation names?
A: Elasticsearch aggregation names should start with a lowercase letter and can contain lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores.

Q: Can I use spaces in my aggregation names?
A: No, spaces are not allowed in Elasticsearch aggregation names. Use underscores instead to separate words.

Q: Are there any reserved keywords I should avoid for aggregation names?
A: Yes, avoid using Elasticsearch query DSL keywords like "query", "filter", "aggs", or "must" as aggregation names.

Q: How can I rename an aggregation without changing my query results?
A: Simply change the aggregation name in your query to a valid name that follows Elasticsearch naming conventions. The results will remain the same as long as the aggregation definition doesn't change.

Q: Is there a maximum length for aggregation names in Elasticsearch?
A: While there's no strict limit, it's best to keep aggregation names reasonably short and descriptive. Extremely long names can make queries harder to read and maintain.

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