If statements in postgres throw error

Question

I'm trying to run a statement to this effect:

IF EXISTS (SELECT * FROM LeadCustomer WHERE FirstName = 'John' AND Surname = 'Smith') THEN
    SELECT * FROM LeadCustomer WHERE FirstName = 'John' AND Surname = 'Smith';
ELSE 
    INSERT INTO LeadCustomer (Firstname, Surname, BillingAddress, email) VALUES ('John', 'Smith', '6 Brewery close, Buxton, Norfolk', 'cmp.testing@example.com');;
END IF;

and it throws the error:

ERROR: syntax error at or near "IF"

I found this question but the format suggested in those answers don't seem to work either. Was wondering if anyone could tell me why this isn't working?

you have a double ;; - not sure that matters.. – Randy Mar 29 '13 at 19:12 — Randy, Mar 29 '13 at 19:12

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 29 '13 at 19:13

2

If is part of the plpgsql language. It will only work inside a plpgsql function:

http://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/interactive/plpgsql.html

answered Mar 29 '13 at 19:13

Clodoaldo Neto

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score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 29 '13 at 19:19

2

You are looking for the CASE expression.

answered Mar 29 '13 at 19:19

Chris Farmiloe

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I don't think case would allow me to do quite the same thing, though? – The General Mar 29 '13 at 19:30
In fact, CASE, doesn't seem to want to be used unless it's already in another statement.... – The General Mar 29 '13 at 19:40

If statements in postgres throw error

2 Answers2