If statements in postgres throw error

Question

I'm trying to run a statement to this effect:

IF EXISTS (SELECT * FROM LeadCustomer WHERE FirstName = 'John' AND Surname = 'Smith') THEN
    SELECT * FROM LeadCustomer WHERE FirstName = 'John' AND Surname = 'Smith';
ELSE 
    INSERT INTO LeadCustomer (Firstname, Surname, BillingAddress, email) VALUES ('John', 'Smith', '6 Brewery close, Buxton, Norfolk', '[email protected]');;
END IF;

and it throws the error:

ERROR: syntax error at or near "IF"

I found this question but the format suggested in those answers don't seem to work either. Was wondering if anyone could tell me why this isn't working?

you have a double ;; - not sure that matters..

Randy
– Randy

2013-03-29 19:12:50 +00:00
Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 19:12 — Randy
– Randy, Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 19:12

Clodoaldo Neto · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-29 19:13:59Z

2

If is part of the plpgsql language. It will only work inside a plpgsql function:

http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/interactive/plpgsql.html

answered Mar 29, 2013 at 19:13

Clodoaldo Neto

127k30 gold badges251 silver badges274 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

Chris Farmiloe · Accepted Answer · 2013-03-29 19:19:02Z

2

You are looking for the CASE expression.

answered Mar 29, 2013 at 19:19

Chris Farmiloe

14.3k5 gold badges51 silver badges57 bronze badges

2 Comments

The General Over a year ago

I don't think case would allow me to do quite the same thing, though?

The General Over a year ago

In fact, CASE, doesn't seem to want to be used unless it's already in another statement....

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

If statements in postgres throw error

2 Answers 2

Comments

2 Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related