 <p>You tagged your question <code>mysql</code> but the special outer join syntax you're using is a proprietary invention of Oracle. </p> <p>MySQL does not support the <code>(+)</code> join modifier syntax in any position.</p> <p>Why not use ANSI SQL-92 syntax for <code>LEFT OUTER JOIN</code> and <code>RIGHT OUTER JOIN</code>? Then your queries would be clear, and would work in both Oracle and MySQL.</p> <pre><code>SELECT emp_no, emp_name, emp.dept_no, dept_name, loc FROM emp LEFT OUTER JOIN dept ON emp.dept = dept.dept_no </code></pre>