ORA-00907 Missing Right Parenthesis in Oracle Fusion | Explained and Solved

The ORA-00907 error is a syntax error frequently encountered by users who manually write code. This error signifies the presence of a left parenthesis without a matching right parenthesis or the inclusion of extra information within the parentheses. 

We’ve gone into the details and shown the common places where the missing right parenthesis error can occur in Oracle Fusion. Not only that, it is also described how to resolve this issue so you don’t have to start from scratch. 

What Is ORA-00907 in Oracle?

The “ORA-00907” error occurs when there is a mismatch in the number of opening and closing parentheses in your SQL statement. This mismatch disrupts the balance in the SQL statement, leading to the generation of the missing right parenthesis error. 

The message is informative, stating that there is a “missing right parenthesis.” However, it does not provide specific details about the location of the error in the SQL code. This can happen in various scenarios, such as creating a table, altering a table, or even in a simple SELECT statement.

Let’s look at an example to illustrate the issue:

CREATE TABLE example_table (
    column1 INT,
    column2 VARCHAR2(50
);

In this snippet, the opening parenthesis on line 3 after “VARCHAR2(50” lacks a corresponding closing parenthesis, triggering the ORA-00907 error. 

What Causes the ORA-00907 Error in Oracle Fusion?

You might encounter the ORA-00907 error in commands like CREATE TABLE, CREATE CLUSTER, and INSERT. These commands need a specific list enclosed in parentheses, and if there’s an issue with the parentheses, this error can pop up. Here are some common reasons.

1. Nested Parentheses

Nested parentheses can be a breeding ground for this error. Ensure that each opening parenthesis has a corresponding closing parenthesis in the correct order.

SELECT (column1 + column2 FROM example_table;

In this case, the missing closing parenthesis after “column2” is the culprit.

2. Function Calls

When using functions, be cautious with parentheses placement. For instance:

SELECT UPPER(column1 FROM example_table;

Here, the missing closing parenthesis after “column1” triggers the error.

How to Fix Missing Right Parenthesis in Oracle?

The key to resolving the “ORA-00907” error is careful inspection of your SQL statements. You have to locate the section of code where the right parenthesis is absent, add the missing symbol in the appropriate place, and then rerun the statement. Here are some steps to guide you:

1. Count Parentheses

Count the opening and closing parentheses in your SQL statement. Doing so can help you ensure that the number and order of opening and closing parentheses align correctly in your SQL statement.

2. Check Syntax

Review the syntax of your SQL statement. Ensure that parentheses have correct placements, especially in function calls and nested expressions. 

Function Calls

Verify that each function call has a balanced pair of parentheses. Ensure there’s an opening parenthesis before the function’s parameters and a corresponding closing parenthesis after.

SELECT UPPER(column1) FROM example_table;

In this example, the parameter “column1” of the “UPPER” function is correctly enclosed within parentheses.

Nested Expressions

When dealing with nested expressions, confirm that each opening parenthesis has a corresponding and properly positioned closing parenthesis. This applies to mathematical operations, subqueries, or any other nested structure.

SELECT (column1 + column2) * 2 FROM example_table;

Here, the parentheses correctly encapsulate the addition operation and the subsequent multiplication.

3. Use Code Formatting

Proper code formatting can make it easier to spot missing parentheses. Indentation and line breaks can help identify where the issue lies.

CREATE TABLE example_table (
    column1 INT,
    column2 VARCHAR2(50)
);

4. Consult Documentation

Oracle’s official documentation serves as a comprehensive resource, providing detailed insights into the correct usage of SQL syntax, including any platform-specific considerations or nuances. Refer to it for specific syntax rules related to the SQL statement you are working on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the “ORA-00907” error only occur in table creation or alteration?

No, the error can occur in various SQL statements, including SELECT, UPDATE, and INSERT, where parentheses are used.

How can I avoid nested parentheses issues?

Pay close attention to the opening and closing of parentheses, ensuring they match in number and order. Proper code indentation can also help visualize nested structures. 

Conclusion

Navigating the “ORA-00907: Missing Right Parenthesis” error requires a keen eye for detail in your SQL statements. By counting and verifying the placement of parentheses, you can quickly identify and resolve this common issue. Remember, proper coding practices and careful syntax review are your allies in the battle against this error. Happy coding!