MYSQL - Quoted table / field names vs unquoted names

Question

I basically always leave row and table names unquoted in my MYSQL queries - it's never caused me a problem, and I find it more readable. However, I have noticed that some people keep them enclosed in backticks.

So, what's the difference between a quoted table name and an unquoted? Any advantages / disadvantages? Are there situations where you might need to enclose a name in quotes?

possible duplicate of [Using backticks around field names](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/261455/using-backticks-around-field-names) — Joe Stefanelli, Jan 20 '11 at 19:04

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 20 '11 at 20:16

An identifier (such as a table, index, column, alias, view, stored procedure, partition, and other object names) may be quoted or unquoted. If an identifier contains special characters or is a reserved word, you must quote it whenever you refer to it. (reference Schema Object Names)

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 20 '11 at 19:31

0

I didn't see it in the other topic very quick: I've seen a database that had a field named "order". Now you'll get a syntax error if you use that without backticks, as it is a reserved word (as in ORDER BY )

answered Jan 20 '11 at 19:31

Nanne

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MYSQL - Quoted table / field names vs unquoted names

2 Answers2