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 stackoverflow.com/questions/1274432/…. You cannot parameterize a table name. — alecxe
– alecxe, Commented Mar 6, 2015 at 7:22

Daniel Roseman · Accepted Answer · 2015-03-06 07:36:29Z

1

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

answered Mar 6, 2015 at 7:36

Daniel Roseman

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2 Comments

So something like this? (Table = 'table1' c.execute('UPDATE '+Table+' SET Quantity = Quantity + ? WHERE Date = ?', (amount, date)))

Yes, or using the %s or {} string formatting operators.