Why Do I Get a Syntax Error When Using Reserved Words as MySQL Table or Column Names?

Syntax Error Due to Using a Reserved Word as a Table or Column Name in MySQL

MySQL designates certain words as reserved, including terms like "SELECT," "INSERT," and "DELETE," which have predefined meanings. Using these terms as table or column names without enclosing them in backticks will trigger a syntax error.

Understanding the Issue

Reserved words hold special significance in MySQL, so employing them in identifiers without backticks will be interpreted as a syntax violation. The MySQL documentation emphasizes the importance of quoting identifiers that contain special characters or reserved words.

Resolving the Error

To resolve this issue, two solutions are available:

Avoid Reserved Words for Identifiers

The most recommended solution is to refrain from using reserved words as identifiers. This eliminates the potential for syntax errors stemming from forgotten or overlooked reserved words, ensuring code portability across various SQL dialects.

Enclose Reserved Words in Backticks

If renaming identifiers is not feasible, enclose the reserved words in backticks (`). This allows you to utilize these terms in identifiers while ensuring that MySQL recognizes them as strings rather than reserved words. Using backticks ensures proper syntax and avoids confusion.

Example

Consider the following query from the question:

INSERT INTO user_details (username, location, key)
VALUES ('Tim', 'Florida', 42)

To rectify the syntax error, the reserved word "key" must be enclosed in backticks:

INSERT INTO user_details (username, location, `key`)
VALUES ('Tim', 'Florida', 42)

By following these guidelines, you can avoid syntax errors when using reserved words in MySQL identifiers and maintain the integrity of your queries.

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