What common syntax errors can occur when updating database records in PHP?

Common syntax errors when updating database records in PHP include missing or misplaced quotation marks around variables, forgetting to concatenate variables properly within the SQL query, and not properly escaping special characters in the data being inserted. To solve these issues, make sure to properly concatenate variables within the SQL query using the dot (.) operator, enclose variables in quotation marks where necessary, and use prepared statements or escape functions like mysqli_real_escape_string to prevent SQL injection attacks.

// Example of updating database records in PHP with proper syntax

// Assuming $conn is the database connection object
$id = 1;
$newValue = "Updated Value";

// Make sure to properly concatenate variables and use mysqli_real_escape_string for data
$sql = "UPDATE table_name SET column_name = '" . mysqli_real_escape_string($conn, $newValue) . "' WHERE id = " . $id;

// Execute the query
if(mysqli_query($conn, $sql)){
    echo "Record updated successfully";
} else{
    echo "Error updating record: " . mysqli_error($conn);
}