syntax error after adding else statement

[jeff5656]

I want to sort by column which works, however I want to make the default sort colum "rm_loc"

However, when I add the else statement, I get

 

You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near '' at line 1

 

$query = "SELECT * FROM `icu` WHERE `signoff_status` = 'a' AND `pod` = '". $pod ."' ";

$column_name=$_GET['column_name'];

if(isset($column_name) and strlen($column_name)>0){
$query = $query . " order by $column_name ";
} 
else {
$query = $query . " order by $rm_loc ";
}

 

 

[revraz]

echo $column_name and $rm_loc to make sure they contain something.

[lonewolf217]

I dont think those backticks are necessary (`) in your SQL statement, try taking them out

[revraz]

Backticks are always a good idea.

[jeff5656]

1.  They do contain something.  But if they didn't would it give me a syntax error>?

2.  The ticks are not the problem.  Like I said, the syntax error came about AFTER I added the last three lines of the else statement.  Everything above works.

 

[revraz]

Echo $query and post it.  The error is telling you the problem, near '' which is a empty value.

[jeff5656]

Never mind I figured it out.  it should be rm_loc not $rm_loc (since it is a field name)

[revraz]

So it didn't contain anything

[jeff5656]

:-)