Simple SQL update query not working

Question

I need to run this query but I get an error:

UPDATE wp_usermeta 
SET meta_value = "a:1:{s:16:\"client_special\";b:1;}" 
WHERE user_id = "1009";

But I get this 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 'UPDATE wp_usermeta SET meta_value = "a:1:{s:16:\"cliente_especial\";b:1;}" W' at line 1

It is ok for me, I escaped the " with \ character.

What DB platform? What are you running the query in (c# code, vbscript, query editor, something else)? — Igor
– Igor, Commented Aug 28, 2017 at 19:20
Either you have non-printing characters at the front of your SQL, or you are trying to execute multiple SQL statements in one driver call (eg, in PHP PDO::query). — bishop
– bishop, Commented Aug 28, 2017 at 19:26

bishop · Accepted Answer · 2017-10-11 11:02:49Z

1

As you discovered, and as my comment alluded, non-printing or hidden characters in your SQL statement can lead to unexpected syntax errors.

When confronted with what appears to be ludicrous messages, I find carefully retyping the statement into a different program helps decide whether it is a hidden character issue or a legitimate syntax issue.

It is the act of careful retyping that sanitizes the statement and rules out the non-printing characters. More than once I've done this and I imagine I will continue to do this for the rest of my career!

edited Oct 11, 2017 at 11:02

answered Aug 28, 2017 at 20:53

bishop

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