Syntax Error Due to Using a Reserved Word as a Table or Column Name in MySQL

The Problem

In MySQL, certain words hold a special meaning, making it illegal to use them as identifiers such as table names, column names, etc., unless surrounded by backticks. This restriction applies to keywords like SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, and others.

Solution Options

1. Avoid Using Reserved Words as Identifiers

For simplicity, consider using alternative names for tables or columns that do not match reserved words. This eliminates the risk of syntax errors and ensures portability across SQL dialects.

2. Use Backticks to Escape Reserved Words

If using a reserved word is necessary, it can be escaped by surrounding it with backticks (`). This informs MySQL that the identifier should be treated as an ordinary text string, not a keyword.

For instance, to fix the error mentioned in the question:

INSERT INTO user_details (username, location, `key`)
VALUES ('Tim', 'Florida', 42);

By adding backticks around the keyword key, the query becomes syntactically correct.

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