[SalesForce] Why does the SOQL parser give a primitive message like ‘Unknown error parsing query’

If you make a mistake/typo in a SOQL query in the Developer Console, you frequently get the – not helpful – message "Unknown error parsing query".

I started programming in the early 80s, in BASIC of course, and all we had back then was: "Syntax error at line NN". So here we are in 2015 and Salesforce gives us its equivalent of Syntax error.
I have studied Computer Science and I graduated in Compiler building, so I know a thing or two about parsers and about what is possible regarding error messages on incorrect syntax.

Anyone here with some inside knowledge who can explain why we do not get more helpful error messages?

Best Answer

I would suggest using Force.com IDE plugin for Eclipse, which gives you more detailed error message about syntax error. Also you can try use other third-party applications which allow you to perform SOQL like workbench or Schema Viewer.

I would agree that error from Developer Console is not the error which we would like to see, probably you can either log a case to Salesforce or suggest your idea to Idea Exchange about this.

Related Solutions

[SalesForce] wrong with this query? (Unknown error parsing query)

You can't compare a field to another field in SOQL.

Salesforce has added a clear Knowledge Article to make that clear. From Field to field comparison in an SOQL WHERE clause:

Salesforce does not allow direct field to field comparison in SOQL query.

To achieve this you can create a formula field that will compare fields and return a value (such as true or false) which you can use in a WHERE clause.

Originally I also pointed to the documentation on fieldExpression Syntax (emphasis mine):

fieldName comparisonOperator value
value: A value used to compare with the value in fieldName. You must supply a value whose data type matches the field type of the specified field. You must supply a native value—other field names or calculations are not permitted. If quotes are required (for example, they are not for dates and numbers), use single quotes. Double quotes result in an error.

A common workaround is to create a checkbox formula to the same effect. Then just check if it's true in your query.

[SalesForce] unknown parsing error in soql query

You need to wrap the Id value in single quotes ('):

WHERE Id = '00536000005bkdTAAQ'
//         ^   missing these  ^

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[SalesForce] wrong with this query? (Unknown error parsing query)

[SalesForce] unknown parsing error in soql query

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