Python SQLite best way to use variables in query

Question

Why do i get this error?

sqlite3.OperationalError: near "?": syntax error

when i run this:

c.execute('UPDATE ? SET Quantity = Quantity + ? WHERE Date = ?', (table, amount, date))

But not when i run this?

c.execute('UPDATE table1 SET Quantity = Quantity + ? WHERE Date = ?', (amount, date))

Variable value is:

table = 'table1'
amount = 20
Date = '12/5/2014'

I'm trying to dynamically create tables, but just doesn't work out.

Related http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1274432/sqlite-parameters-not-allowing-tablename-as-parameter. You cannot parameterize a table name. — alecxe, Mar 06 '15 at 07:22

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 06 '15 at 07:36

1

You can't use placeholders for table names. You have to use normal Python string formatting or concatenation.

answered Mar 06 '15 at 07:36

Daniel Roseman

So something like this? (`Table = 'table1' c.execute('UPDATE '+Table+' SET Quantity = Quantity + ? WHERE Date = ?', (amount, date))`) – RasmusGP Mar 06 '15 at 07:39
1

Yes, or using the %s or {} string formatting operators. – Daniel Roseman Mar 06 '15 at 07:46

1 Answers1