PostgreSQL is a powerful relational database management system known for its robust features and SQL compliance. However, when writing SQL queries, users may encounter errors, one of the most common being syntax error at or near "keyword". This blog post aims to help you understand the causes behind this error and provide practical solutions to resolve it.
The error syntax error at or near "keyword" indicates that there is a problem with the syntax of your SQL query. This can happen due to several reasons:
To resolve the syntax error at or near "keyword" in PostgreSQL, follow these solutions:
Carefully review your SQL query for any syntax errors such as missing or extra punctuation marks, incorrect keyword usage, or improper structure.
-- Example: Incorrect syntax SELECT * FORM table_name; -- Incorrect "FORM" instead of "FROM"
Example: Correcting the syntax error:
SELECT * FROM table_name;
When using PostgreSQL reserved keywords as identifiers (such as table or column names), enclose them in double quotes (""). This prevents PostgreSQL from interpreting them as keywords.
-- Example: Using a reserved keyword as a table name without quotes CREATE TABLE order (order_id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY); -- Error: "Syntax error at or near 'order'"
Example: Using quotes to correct the error:
CREATE TABLE "order" (order_id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY);
Ensure that the features and SQL syntax used in your query are supported by the version of PostgreSQL you are using. Refer to the PostgreSQL documentation for version-specific SQL syntax guidelines.
The syntax error at or near "keyword" in PostgreSQL can be effectively resolved by identifying and correcting syntax mistakes, using quotation marks for reserved keywords, and ensuring compatibility with PostgreSQL versions. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can debug and fix common syntax errors in your PostgreSQL queries, ensuring smooth database operations and query execution.