Using Update on a text field.

[Knackers]

New to PHP and MySQL....

I have a form to update data in a specific row. Data types for each of the columns are mostly VarChars but I also have a text field.

When I run an update query such as:

$sql = "UPDATE EMPLOYMENT SET ref='$ref',date='$date',title='$title',desc='$desc' WHERE id='$job_id'";

It fails at the 'desc' field which is the only test field.
If I run the query without the Desc field in it - no problems...

The MySQL error is:
You have an error in your SQL syntax near 'desc='new description' WHERE id='3'' at line 1

This has me completely stumped....

 

[DRJ478]

DESC is a reserved word in SQL. It sets the order to 'descending'.
Using reserved words as column or table names is not a good idea.
MySQL provides a workaround using the backticks to quote the offending word:
`desc`

As said above, using reserved words is never a good idea.

 

[sleipnir214]

If you print out the query, does it look right to you?

If you copy the printed out query and paste it into your preferred MySQL management tool, does it work there?

Want the best answers? Ask the best questions:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

TANSTAAFL!

 

[Knackers]

Yup.....desc for descending.

My only defence is that it is 4 in the morning down under....might go to bed now I have that sorted out.

Thank you!

 

[sleipnir214]

DRJ478:
Good catch. I missed that one.

Want the best answers? Ask the best questions:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

TANSTAAFL!