Unknown column '' in 'where clause'

nigelbashford

Hi All

Another msql problem that has been driving me mad.

I'm trying to pass a variable in the Select statement to return the results from a table based on a particular row...should be simple right? Well I have spent all day on this...and I've got nowhere...Perhaps someone can help me. Here is my statement below with a few variations that I have tried:

$result=mysql_query("SELECT * FROM subscribers WHERE list_name='".$list."'")or die(mysql_error());

$result=mysql_query("SELECT * FROM subscribers WHERE list_name='$list'")or die(mysql_error());

$result=mysql_query("SELECT * FROM subscribers WHERE list_name=$list")or die(mysql_error());

$result=mysql_query("SELECT * FROM subscribers WHERE list_name=".$list."")or die(mysql_error());

I have a connection to the database, I am passing the variable through the URL and using $HTTP_POST_VARS just to make sure.
I can use the exact statement fine for DELETE, UPDATE etc. I've echoed the query result and have found that the statement is working. However, I either get nothing returned or Unknown column '' in 'where clause', which I don't understand why it is looking at my variable as a column.....

If anyone can help me that would be great

thanks Nigel

nigelbashford

Sorry I made a few errors in my typing

I'm trying to pass a variable in the Select statement to return the results from a table based on a particular row

SHould be based on a particular column

and I'm using $HTTP_GET_VARS as opposed to $HTTP_POST_VARS

stolzyboy

try using $_GET instead of $HTTP_GET_VARS, other than that make sure there is a column name of list_name in your mysql table //cAsE SeNsItIvE also

nigelbashford

Hi thanx for the reply,

I tried $_GET, but it made no difference. The frustrating thing is that if I hardcode it and put in something like 'letter', it works fine. I've checked that the variable $list is being passed properly and that works fine too. It's almost like the statement can't read the variable.

Strange, because I know there is no reason for it not to work!

Thanx again by the way

This has me really stumped

stolzyboy

try it this way

<?
$query = "SELECT * FROM subscribers WHERE list_name = '$list';";
$result = mysql_query($query)or die(mysql_error());
?>

nigelbashford

Hi,

I tried that, but still no joy....the problem is this is such a simple statement, I cannot believe I have spent all day on it... The amount of times I have passed variables without any problems... I've even set it up on my local linux machine to make sure it's not a web host issue...

I just thought of something.....Ok tried it and it worked.....I'm just going off to hang myself now for being such a loser....:-(

When I was parsing the variable within the url I had a space....Of course the database couldn't see it!!! Arrggg!!! all bloody day....

As you can see I'm upset....but I'll get over it..... :-)

thanx for your help