Syntax Error

What This Error Means

This error occurs when SQL encounters an ELSE keyword outside of a conditional statement, such as an IF or CASE statement.

Why It Happens

This error typically happens when a developer accidentally types the ELSE keyword before the END keyword in a conditional statement, or when they forget to include the IF or CASE keywords.

How to Fix It

1. 1To fix this error, you need to move the ELSE keyword inside the IF or CASE statement, like so:
2. 2// Before (broken code)
3. 3SELECT * FROM users ELSE
4. 4WHERE age > 18;
5. 5// After (fixed code)
6. 6SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > 18 ELSE IF age < 18 THEN SELECT * FROM minors;

Example Code Solution

SELECT * FROM users ELSE
WHERE age > 18;

SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > 18 ELSE IF age < 18 THEN SELECT * FROM minors;