This specific error typically occurs within the Python MySQL Connector when a previous query’s result set has not been fully retrieved or closed before a new query is executed. For instance, if a `SELECT` statement returns multiple rows, and the application only fetches the first few using `fetchone()` or `fetchmany()` without iterating through all results or calling `fetchall()`, subsequent queries may encounter this error. The underlying driver maintains a stateful connection to the database, and this unconsumed result set disrupts the expected flow of communication.
Properly handling result sets is crucial for preventing this common pitfall. It ensures the stability and predictability of database interactions, allowing for efficient resource management within the database connection. Historically, this issue has arisen due to the differences in how client libraries and database servers manage communication state. The connector’s requirement to explicitly process results aligns with the server’s expectations, promoting cleaner and more reliable transactions.