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Description

Error 42601, 'syntax error', indicates that the database parser encountered an invalid sequence of characters, keywords, or symbols in your SQL statement. This typically occurs when a query does not conform to the expected SQL grammar rules for PostgreSQL, preventing the database from understanding and executing the command.

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Error Message

syntax error

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Typographical Errors

Mistakes like misspelled keywords, column names, or table names can lead to the parser failing to recognize valid SQL constructs.

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Missing or Mismatched Punctuation

Forgetting commas between items in a list, unbalanced parentheses, or missing semicolons at the end of statements can break SQL grammar.

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Incorrect Clause Order or Structure

SQL statements follow a specific order (e.g., SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY). Deviating from this order will result in a syntax error.

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Using Non-Standard SQL

Employing SQL syntax or functions that are specific to other database systems and not supported by PostgreSQL will cause a syntax error.

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Solutions

5 solutions available

1. Check Near Error Position easy

Look at where the error was detected

1

Read the error position

-- Error: syntax error at or near "FORM"
-- Line 1: SELECT * FORM users
--                  ^
-- Fix: SELECT * FROM users

2

Common typos

-- FORM → FROM
-- WHRER → WHERE
-- SLECT → SELECT
-- INSET → INSERT
-- UDPATE → UPDATE

2. Fix Quoting Issues easy

Use correct quotes for strings and identifiers

1

Use single quotes for strings

-- Wrong:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = "John"

-- Right:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE name = 'John'

2

Escape single quotes in strings

-- Wrong:
WHERE name = 'O'Brien'

-- Right (double the quote):
WHERE name = 'O''Brien'

3

Use double quotes for identifiers

-- For reserved words or mixed case:
SELECT "user", "Order" FROM "my-table"

3. Fix Missing/Extra Commas easy

Check comma placement in lists

1

Check SELECT list

-- Wrong (missing comma):
SELECT id name email FROM users

-- Wrong (trailing comma):
SELECT id, name, FROM users

-- Right:
SELECT id, name, email FROM users

4. Fix Parentheses easy

Balance opening and closing parentheses

1

Count and match parentheses

-- Wrong:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE (status = 'active' AND (role = 'admin')

-- Right:
SELECT * FROM users WHERE (status = 'active' AND (role = 'admin'))

5. Check PostgreSQL-Specific Syntax medium

Use PostgreSQL syntax instead of other DBs

1

PostgreSQL vs MySQL differences

-- AUTO_INCREMENT → SERIAL
CREATE TABLE users (id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY);

-- LIMIT with OFFSET
SELECT * FROM users LIMIT 10 OFFSET 5;

-- Boolean values
SELECT * FROM users WHERE active = TRUE;  -- or 't', '1', 'yes'

2

String concatenation

-- Use || not +
SELECT first_name || ' ' || last_name AS full_name FROM users;

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Related Errors

5 related errors

PostgreSQL Error 42601: Invalid SQL Syntax