where clause in mysql for update query gives syntax error for varchar primary key [duplicate]

StackOverflow https://stackoverflow.com/questions/22132456

Question

I have a table 'PREFERENCES' having columns userid (integer), key (varchar(255)) and value (longtext). Columns (userid, key) is primary key. I have some data already in table.
For example: 

userid | key | value
12     | abc | testvalue12abc
12     | pqr | testvalue12pqr
13     | abc | testvalue13abc
14     | abc | testvalue14abc
14     | pqr | testvalue14pqr
14     | xyz | testvalue14xyz

When I run update query, 

UPDATE PREFERENCES 
  SET value='somethingElse' 
WHERE userid=12 AND key='abc';

I get the syntax 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 'userid=12 AND key ='abc'' at line 1`.

I tried different combinations in where clause; It works fine when there is no varchar column in where clause. But it fails with syntax error when varchar column is used in where clause.

I am using mysql, server 5.1.49.

Was it helpful?

Solution 

key

is a reserved keyword. enclose it in backticks as

UPDATE PREFERENCES SET value='somethingElse' WHERE userid=12 AND `key`='abc'
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