Another MySQL syntax error using INSERT INTO

Question

MySQL is returning a syntax error for this query (via PHP):

INSERT INTO links (link, name, desc, category) 
VALUES ('www.contoso.com', 'Contoso', 'My Website', 'Vanity')

ERROR: You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near 'desc, category) VALUES ('www.contoso.com', 'Contoso', 'My Website', 'Vani' at line 1

I see nothing wrong with it. What gives?

As a general rule don't use reserved words for table or column names. It saves a lot of hassle. — Ben
– Ben, Commented Jan 10, 2012 at 21:30

Mark Baker · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-10 21:12:13Z

5

DESC is a MySQL reserved word... if you want to use it as a column name you must enclose it in backticks

The actual error message after the word "near" gives an indication of exactly where in your SQL statement the parser believes the error to be... in this case, at the word "desc". That can often be a good guide to diagnosing the problem.

answered Jan 10, 2012 at 21:12

Mark Baker

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4 Comments

Sean Anderson Over a year ago

In my noobness I didn't know it was a reserved word. Thanks!

Sean Anderson Over a year ago

I had tried ticking all the column names at one time and it didn't work. I changed it to "description" instead, and it worked.

Mark Baker Over a year ago

@user513905 - make sure you used backticks (`) rather than single quotes (')

Sean Anderson Over a year ago

Wow, that would be the difference. I didn't pay attention to that little detail.

Michael Berkowski · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-10 21:12:43Z

2

desc is a MySQL reserved keyword. It must be enclosed in backquotes as

INSERT INTO links (link, name, `desc`, category) VALUES ('www.datavirtue.com', 'Data Virtue', 'My Website', 'Vanity')

answered Jan 10, 2012 at 21:12

Michael Berkowski

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Comments

Nulik · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-10 21:12:56Z

1

"desc" is a reserved word. Use "description"

answered Jan 10, 2012 at 21:12

Nulik

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Comments

Joe Stefanelli · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-10 21:12:32Z

0

DESC is a reserved word and must be escaped with backticks.

INSERT INTO links 
    (link, name, `desc`, category) 
    VALUES 
    ('www.datavirtue.com', 'Data Virtue', 'My Website', 'Vanity')

answered Jan 10, 2012 at 21:12

Joe Stefanelli

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