How to Fix ORA-00933 Error: SQL Command Not Properly Ended in Insert Query

Discover the solution to the `ORA-00933` error in SQL, learn when to use `INSERT` vs `UPDATE`, and improve your database query skills.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: ORA-00933 sql command not properly ended ( in insert query )

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Understanding the ORA-00933 Error in SQL

If you've been working with SQL, especially in Oracle databases, you may have encountered the frustrating ORA-00933: SQL command not properly ended error. This error typically arises when there is a syntax issue in your SQL query. In this guide, we will explore a specific case surrounding this error in an INSERT query and how to resolve it effectively.

The Issue at Hand

Consider the following problematic SQL query that leads to the ORA-00933 error:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Attempting to execute this SQL command results in the error, and you might wonder why a well-formatted statement could trigger such a response. The main issue here is the misuse of the WHERE clause in an INSERT statement.

The Correct Approach: Using UPDATE Instead of INSERT

After careful analysis, it's clear that the intention behind the original query is not to insert a new row into the database but to update an existing one based on certain conditions. In this context, the UPDATE statement should be used. The correct syntax for updating the table would look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Differences Between INSERT and UPDATE

To understand why the transition from INSERT to UPDATE is necessary, it’s essential to comprehend the fundamental differences between the two SQL commands:

INSERT Command: This command is used to add new rows to a table. It does not support the WHERE clause because you are not filtering existing data—you are adding new data.

UPDATE Command: This command modifies existing data within a table. The WHERE clause is applicable here because it allows for targeted updates based on specified conditions.

Steps to Perform an Update

Identify the Table: Determine which table you need to update (in this case, personal_info).

Set the New Value: Define what values need to be changed (case_type = 'unknown').

Specify the Condition: Use the WHERE clause to specify which records should be updated (case_description like '%normal%').

When to Use INSERT

It’s important to know when you should use the INSERT command. If you simply wanted to add a new record without any conditions, you could utilize the following statement without any issues:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This command straightforwardly adds a new entry with case_type set to 'unknown' in the personal_info table.

Conclusion

Encountering the ORA-00933 error can be a learning opportunity as you improve your SQL querying skills. Understanding the distinction between INSERT and UPDATE is crucial to writing correct SQL commands. The ability to shape your database interactions correctly will lead to smoother data manipulations and less frustration.

Now that you know how to avoid this error by using the proper SQL command, you can confidently write queries that effectively manage your database records. Keep practicing and refining your SQL skills to become proficient in database management!