SQL Server Syntax Error

📦 Microsoft SQL Server

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Description

Error 102 in SQL Server indicates a syntax error in your SQL query. This usually occurs when the database engine encounters an unexpected keyword, symbol, or identifier in the SQL statement.

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Error Message

Incorrect syntax near '%.*ls'.

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Known Causes

4 known causes

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Misspelled Keyword

A SQL keyword (e.g., SELECT, FROM, WHERE) is misspelled, causing the parser to fail. Double-check your spelling against the SQL standard.

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Missing Comma

A comma is missing between columns in a SELECT statement or between values in an INSERT statement. This disrupts the expected structure of the query.

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Incorrect Operator

An incorrect operator (e.g., =, <>, >, <) is used in a WHERE clause or other expression. Ensure the operator is appropriate for the data type being compared.

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Unclosed Quotes

A string literal is not properly closed with a single or double quote. This leaves the SQL engine expecting more input.

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Solutions

5 solutions available

1. Check for Missing Keywords easy

SQL statement may be missing required keyword

Common missing keywords

-- Missing FROM:
SELECT * Employees;  -- Error
SELECT * FROM Employees;  -- Correct

-- Missing comma:
SELECT name salary FROM Employees;  -- Error
SELECT name, salary FROM Employees;  -- Correct

-- Missing AND/OR:
SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE age > 30 salary > 50000;  -- Error
SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE age > 30 AND salary > 50000;  -- Correct

2. Check for Extra Characters easy

Unexpected character in statement

Remove extra characters

-- Extra semicolon in middle:
SELECT * FROM Employees; WHERE id = 1;  -- Error
SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE id = 1;  -- Correct

-- Trailing comma:
SELECT name, salary, FROM Employees;  -- Error
SELECT name, salary FROM Employees;  -- Correct

3. Fix String Quotes easy

Use single quotes for strings

Use correct quote style

-- Wrong: double quotes for strings
SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE name = "John";  -- Error

-- Correct: single quotes
SELECT * FROM Employees WHERE name = 'John';

-- Double quotes are for identifiers:
SELECT * FROM "Employees" WHERE "name" = 'John';

4. Check Variable Declaration medium

Variables need @ prefix and proper declaration

Correct variable syntax

-- Wrong: missing @ or wrong syntax
DECLARE name VARCHAR(50);  -- Error
name = 'John';  -- Error

-- Correct:
DECLARE @name VARCHAR(50);
SET @name = 'John';
-- Or:
DECLARE @name VARCHAR(50) = 'John';

5. Fix GO Batch Separator easy

GO must be on its own line

Use GO correctly

-- Wrong:
CREATE TABLE Test (id INT); GO SELECT * FROM Test;  -- Error

-- Correct: GO on separate line
CREATE TABLE Test (id INT);
GO
SELECT * FROM Test;
GO