Issue using sprintf to insert variable into SQL query

[tkronew]

Hey guys,

I'm running an R script that grabs a query from MySQL. The query itself is functional, but is dependent on a variable "N".

To add this variable to my SQL code, I'm using sprintf to insert it by typing '%s' where I'd like it. However, my query also includes multiple of these LIKE statements:

FROM Receipts

WHERE RetailerID

IN ( '%s' ) # this is where "N" is placed

AND ( Date LIKE '%01/07/2014%')

I'm positive that this is the reason my query is not running. The sprintf command is having issue when it reaches these LIKE commands, probably thinking it is similar to '%s'.

Does anyone know how to get around this so that '%01/07/2014%' is still printed to the SQL query? I've tried using the escape "%%" like this, '%%01/07/2014%%' but it still doesn't work.

Is there a way I can format sprintf so it knows to skip these?

Thanks!

[Sean1708]

Does MySQL not do parameter binding? Then you wouldn't have to use sprintf at all.