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Description

Error 1149 indicates that the SQL statement you executed contains a syntax error. This means the query does not conform to the expected structure and rules of the SQL language as interpreted by your MySQL server version. It commonly occurs due to typos, incorrect keywords, or improper command usage.

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Error Message

You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Typos or Misspellings

A common cause is a simple typo in keywords, table names, column names, or other identifiers within the SQL statement.

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Version-Specific Syntax

Using SQL syntax or features that are not supported or have changed in your specific MySQL server version can trigger this error.

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Missing Punctuation or Keywords

Forgetting a comma, semicolon, parentheses, or an essential keyword like 'FROM' or 'WHERE' can lead to a syntax error.

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Reserved Word Usage

Attempting to use a MySQL reserved keyword (e.g., `SELECT`, `ORDER`, `GROUP`) as an identifier without proper escaping.

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Solutions

4 solutions available

1. Review and Correct Typos in SQL Statements easy

The most common cause of syntax errors is a simple typo or misspelling in your SQL query.

1

Carefully read through your SQL statement character by character. Look for common misspellings of keywords (e.g., `SELECT` vs. `SEELCT`, `WHERE` vs. `WHER`), incorrect punctuation (missing commas, extra semicolons, misplaced quotes), or misspelled table/column names.

2

Compare your query against the MySQL documentation for the specific version you are using. Pay close attention to the syntax for the commands you are trying to execute (e.g., `INSERT`, `UPDATE`, `CREATE TABLE`).

SELECT VERSION(); -- To find your MySQL version

3

If using a GUI tool (like MySQL Workbench, DBeaver, phpMyAdmin), they often provide syntax highlighting that can help visually identify errors. Re-type parts of the query if you suspect a hidden character issue.

2. Verify Table and Column Names easy

Incorrectly referenced table or column names are a frequent source of syntax errors.

1

Ensure that the table and column names used in your query exactly match the names defined in your database schema. Case sensitivity can be an issue depending on your operating system and MySQL configuration.

SHOW TABLES;
DESCRIBE your_table_name;

2

If you are using backticks (`) around table or column names, ensure they are correctly placed and balanced. Backticks are optional unless the name is a reserved keyword or contains special characters.

SELECT `column_name` FROM `table_name`;

3

If you are unsure about the exact names, use `SHOW TABLES;` to list tables and `DESCRIBE table_name;` (or `SHOW COLUMNS FROM table_name;`) to list columns for that table.

SHOW TABLES;
DESCRIBE your_table_name;

3. Check for Reserved Keywords and Special Characters medium

Using MySQL reserved keywords or special characters without proper escaping can lead to syntax errors.

1

Identify if any of your table names, column names, or values in your query are MySQL reserved keywords (e.g., `SELECT`, `FROM`, `WHERE`, `ORDER`, `GROUP`, `TABLE`, `DATABASE`).

SELECT * FROM ORDER WHERE name = 'John';

2

If a name is a reserved keyword, enclose it in backticks (`) to escape it. This tells MySQL to treat it as an identifier rather than a keyword.

SELECT * FROM `ORDER` WHERE name = 'John';

3

Be mindful of special characters within string literals or identifiers. Ensure they are correctly escaped, especially if they have meaning within SQL (e.g., quotes, backslashes). For string literals, use single quotes (`'`) and escape any single quotes within the string by doubling them (`''`).

INSERT INTO messages (content) VALUES ('He said: "Hello!"'); -- Incorrectly escaped quote
INSERT INTO messages (content) VALUES ('He said: "Hello!"'); -- Correctly escaped quote using double quotes for the outer string
INSERT INTO messages (content) VALUES ('It''s a beautiful day.'); -- Correctly escaped single quote

4. Validate SQL Statement Structure and Clause Order medium

MySQL has a specific order for SQL clauses that must be followed.

1

Ensure your SQL statement follows the standard order for clauses. For a `SELECT` statement, the typical order is:

SELECT column_list
FROM table_name
[JOIN other_table ON join_condition]
[WHERE condition]
[GROUP BY column_list]
[HAVING group_condition]
[ORDER BY column_list]
[LIMIT row_count];

2

For `INSERT` statements, the structure is generally `INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, ...) VALUES (value1, value2, ...);` or `INSERT INTO table_name SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2;`.

INSERT INTO users (username, email) VALUES ('john_doe', 'john@example.com');
INSERT INTO users SET username = 'jane_doe', email = 'jane@example.com';

3

For `UPDATE` statements, it's `UPDATE table_name SET column1 = value1, column2 = value2 WHERE condition;`.

UPDATE products SET price = 19.99 WHERE id = 101;

4

Carefully review the order of these clauses in your query. Placing a `WHERE` clause before a `FROM` clause, for example, will result in a syntax error.

SELECT * WHERE id = 5 FROM users; -- Incorrect order
SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = 5; -- Correct order

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Related Errors

5 related errors

MySQL Error 1149: Invalid SQL Syntax