Resolving Incorrect Syntax near the Keyword Select in SQL Server

Learn how to fix the `Incorrect Syntax near the Keyword Select` error when creating and using functions in SQL Server. This guide provides a step-by-step solution with examples.
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Resolving Incorrect Syntax near the Keyword Select in SQL Server

If you work with SQL Server, you might encounter an error message indicating "Incorrect Syntax near the Keyword Select" when creating or calling SQL functions. This can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to retrieve essential data. In this post, we’ll address this issue, providing a comprehensive solution for creating a function that returns the balance for a vendor using their VendorID.

Understanding the Problem

In the given scenario, a user tried to create a SQL function named fnBalanceVendor that returns a vendor's balance based on their VendorID. Upon executing their code, however, they received the following error messages:

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

This indicates that SQL Server encountered an unexpected syntax while parsing the function definition. Specifically, this error often arises due to not properly concluding a batch before moving to the next SQL command.

The Solution

To resolve the issue, we will modify the function definition by ensuring that the SQL batch is properly terminated. Here’s a structured guide on how to fix the error:

Step 1: Create the Function with Proper Syntax

When creating a SQL function, it's essential to correctly format your declarations and ensure that SQL recognizes where a batch ends. In this case, adding a GO command after the RETURN statement will fix the issue.

Here’s the correctly formatted function for returning the balance:

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

Step 2: Use the Function in a Query

After creating the function without syntax errors, you can now call it to obtain the necessary data. The following query retrieves all California vendors and their respective balances, assuming the VendorID is provided as 8 in this case:

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

Key Points to Remember

Always ensure that a GO command follows your RETURN statement in function definitions.

Proper syntax is crucial for creating SQL functions to avoid runtime errors.

Test your functions in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to verify functionality before incorporating them into larger queries.

Conclusion

If you encounter an "Incorrect Syntax near the Keyword Select" error in your SQL Server function, remember to check your batch endings and ensure that your syntax is correct. By following the structured approach outlined in this guide, you can efficiently create and utilize functions for retrieving data in SQL Server.

Feel free to share your experiences or further questions about SQL functions in the comments below!