How to Fix MySQL "You have an error in your SQL syntax"

Example error message

ERROR 1064 (42000): You have an error in your SQL syntax

Common causes

• A comma is missing.
• A string quote is not closed.
• You used PostgreSQL or SQL Server syntax in MySQL.
• A reserved word is used as a column name.

Quick fix

SELECT id, name FROM users WHERE status = 'active';

Checklist

• Check spelling of table and column names.
• Check the correct database, schema, and table alias.
• Compare your SQL dialect: MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, or SQLite.
• Run a very small SELECT query first, then add conditions step by step.

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