SQL / Database

SQL syntax error (1064)

The database couldn't parse your SQL — there's a syntax mistake at the spot it names.

What it looks like

ERROR 1064 (42000): 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 'order BY id' at line 1

What does "SQL syntax error (1064)" mean?

Returned by MySQL when it cannot parse a statement. The part after “near” is where the parser gave up — the actual mistake is usually just before it, not inside the quoted text.

What causes "SQL syntax error (1064)"?

A typo, missing comma, or unquoted value.
A reserved word used as a column/table name unquoted.
String concatenation that broke the query.

How do I confirm the cause?

Look at the text immediately before the “near” fragment for a missing comma, bracket or quote.
Check whether a table or column name is a reserved word (order, group, key, desc) that needs backticks.
Print the final SQL your code sends, with values filled in — string-built queries often look fine in code and broken when run.

How do I fix "SQL syntax error (1064)"?

Read the query around the position the error quotes.
Quote reserved words (backticks in MySQL, double quotes in Postgres).
Use parameterized queries instead of string-building.

How do I stop it happening again?

Use prepared statements with placeholders instead of concatenating values into SQL.
Avoid reserved words as table and column names.

Got a different error? Paste it into the Explain This Error tool → Identifies the family and the fix — runs locally, nothing uploaded.