You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL

[dreamy]

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 'sum( ) VALUES ()' at line 1

This is my code

<?php
//make conection
$name=$_POST['name'];
$cloth=$_POST['cloth'];
$bag=$_POST['bag'];
 
$connection = mysql_connect("localhost", "root","") or die("Could not connect to MYSQL");
$selection=mysql_select_db("addname") or die ("Unable to select database");
$sql="SELECT * from sum WHERE name like '$name'"; 
$result= mysql_query($sql) or die(mysql_error()); 
$record = mysql_num_rows($result);  
 
   if ($record == 0)
   {
     $sql = "INSERT INTO sum( name, cloth, bag)  VALUES ('$name', '$cloth', '$bag')";
      $result= mysql_query($sql);
 
     if ($result)
     { echo "Record added: $name  $cloth  $bag "; }
       else   { die(mysql_error()); }     
   }
   else
     echo "<br>record already exist"; 
?>

can some 1 help me about this problem,
i used to fix it by changing the name, but now. it not success any more.
thz.

[Markus]

In MySQL sum/SUM is a reserved word, that is, you cannot use it in a situation where it might be mistake for SQL syntax. The way to counter this is to surround any column-names table-names, etc., in backticks, like so:

INSERT INTO `tablename` (`field1`, `field2`, `field3`) VALUES (...)
 

Also, Dreamy, please take a moment to read the Posting Guidelines - especially the part about 'how to post a question'. Use [code] tags when posting code.

Furthermore, questions go in the 'answers' sub-forum - not in the 'insights' sub-forum.

Mark.