How to Fix "MariaDB syntax error" in PostgreSQL

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How do I fix a MariaDB syntax error when running the query in PostgreSQL?

Identify and correct MariaDB-specific SQL that triggers syntax errors in PostgreSQL.

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Description

Why does PostgreSQL raise a “MariaDB syntax error”?

PostgreSQL follows ANSI SQL more strictly than MariaDB. Queries copied from MariaDB often use non-standard keywords, functions, or limit clauses that PostgreSQL cannot parse, so it returns a syntax error.

Which MariaDB clauses fail in PostgreSQL most often?

Common offenders include LIMIT offset,count, back-tick quoted identifiers, IFNULL(), DATE_FORMAT(), and engine-specific INSERT ... ON DUPLICATE KEY syntax.

How do I rewrite `LIMIT offset,count`?

Replace the comma syntax with PostgreSQL’s LIMIT ... OFFSET .... Example: change SELECT * FROM Products LIMIT 5,10; to SELECT * FROM Products LIMIT 10 OFFSET 5;.

How should I handle back-tick identifiers?

Swap back-ticks for double quotes or, better, rename columns to be lowercase and snake_case so quoting is unnecessary: `OrderItems` → "order_items" or just order_items.

What is the PostgreSQL alternative to `IFNULL()`?

Use COALESCE(). For example, SELECT COALESCE(email,'no-email') FROM Customers;.

Can I replicate `INSERT ... ON DUPLICATE KEY`?

Yes—use INSERT ... ON CONFLICT ... DO UPDATE. Define a unique constraint and specify the columns to update on conflict.

Best practices for avoiding MariaDB syntax errors

Adopt ANSI-compliant SQL, test queries in PostgreSQL early, enable standard_conforming_strings, and use automated linters that flag vendor-specific syntax.

How to debug stubborn errors quickly?

Run EXPLAIN to pinpoint the failing token, consult PostgreSQL docs for equivalent functions, and iteratively adjust until the query parses.

Why How to Fix "MariaDB syntax error" in PostgreSQL is important

How to Fix "MariaDB syntax error" in PostgreSQL Example Usage


-- Fixing a MariaDB-style query that lists a customer’s last 3 orders
-- MariaDB version (errors in PostgreSQL)
SELECT * FROM Orders WHERE customer_id = 42 ORDER BY order_date DESC LIMIT 0,3;

-- PostgreSQL-ready version
SELECT *
FROM   Orders
WHERE  customer_id = 42
ORDER  BY order_date DESC
LIMIT 3 OFFSET 0;

How to Fix "MariaDB syntax error" in PostgreSQL Syntax


-- MariaDB LIMIT clause vs PostgreSQL
-- MariaDB (fails in PostgreSQL)
SELECT * FROM Products LIMIT 5,10;

-- PostgreSQL equivalent
SELECT *
FROM   Products
LIMIT 10 OFFSET 5;

-- IFNULL replacement
SELECT COALESCE(total_amount,0) AS total_amount
FROM   Orders;

-- ON DUPLICATE KEY replacement
INSERT INTO Products(id, name, price, stock)
VALUES (1,'Keyboard',49.99,100)
ON CONFLICT (id)
DO UPDATE SET price = EXCLUDED.price, stock = EXCLUDED.stock;

Common Mistakes

Assuming <code>LIMIT offset,count</code> works. PostgreSQL sees the comma as invalid and stops parsing. Always convert to <code>LIMIT count OFFSET offset</code>.
Keeping back-tick identifiers. PostgreSQL treats <code>`name`</code> as an unknown character, so wrap identifiers in double quotes or rename columns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I automate MariaDB → PostgreSQL syntax fixes?

Yes. Tools like pgloader and AWS SCT automatically translate many functions and clauses, but manual review is still required.

Does PostgreSQL support `ENUM` like MariaDB?

No direct ENUM type exists. Create a CHECK constraint or a reference table, or migrate to TEXT plus domain constraints.

Will performance suffer after rewriting?

Properly translated queries often run faster because PostgreSQL can optimize ANSI-standard SQL more effectively.

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