Resolving the Joomla JoomShopping SQL Error 1054: Unknown column 'ordering' in 'order clause'

Introduction

While working with the JoomShopping component in Joomla, a common issue encountered is the SQL error 1054 Unknown column 'ordering' in 'order clause'. This error occurs when a database query attempts to sort results using a column named ordering that does not exist in the gduqf_jshopping_taxes table. The error originates from the TaxesModel.php file in the JoomShopping component, specifically within the getAllTaxes() method. This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve this issue, based on a real-world scenario involving the gduqf_jshopping_taxes table.

Error Context

The error was reported with the following stack trace:

• File: JROOT\administrator\components\com_jshopping\Model\TaxesModel.php:32
• Method: getAllTaxes()
• Query Issue: The query attempts to use ORDER BY ordering, but the ordering column is missing in the gduqf_jshopping_taxes table.

The table structure was initially:

The absence of the ordering column caused the error. Later, the column was added, and the table was populated with two records:

Step-by-Step Resolution Process

Step 1: Diagnosing the Issue

The first step was to confirm the cause of the error by inspecting the database schema:

1. Run DESCRIBE gduqf_jshopping_taxes;:

   • This query revealed that the ordering column was missing, confirming that the query in TaxesModel.php was attempting to reference a non-existent column.
   • The table initially had only three columns: tax_id, tax_name, and tax_value.

2. Locate the Problematic Code:

   • The error pointed to JROOT\administrator\components\com_jshopping\Model\TaxesModel.php:32, where the getAllTaxes() method likely contained a query like:

     $query = "SELECT * FROM #__jshopping_taxes ORDER BY ordering";
     

   • The #__ prefix is a Joomla placeholder, replaced by the actual prefix (e.g., gduqf_), so the query targeted gduqf_jshopping_taxes.

Step 2: Adding the Missing ordering Column

To resolve the error, the ordering column was added to the table:

1. Execute the SQL Command:

   ALTER TABLE gduqf_jshopping_taxes ADD ordering INT(11) NOT NULL DEFAULT 0;
   

   • This added an ordering column of type INT, non-nullable, with a default value of 0.

2. Handle the Warning:

   • A warning was received: (1681) Integer display width is deprecated and will be removed in a future release.
   • This warning, caused by specifying INT(11), indicated that display width is deprecated in MySQL 8.0+. However, it did not affect functionality, as INT supports the required range (-2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647).

3. Verify the Updated Schema:

   DESCRIBE gduqf_jshopping_taxes;
   

   • The output confirmed the new structure:

     Field	Type	Null	Key	Default	Extra
     tax_id	int	NO	PRI	NULL	auto_increment
     tax_name	varchar(50)	NO		NULL
     tax_value	decimal(12,2)	NO		NULL
     ordering	int	NO		0

Step 3: Populating and Managing Data

With the ordering column added, the table was populated with two records:

SELECT tax_id, tax_name, tax_value, ordering FROM gduqf_jshopping_taxes;

Output:

1. Set ordering Values:

   • The ordering values were 0 (Normal) and 1 (2 test), meaning Normal would appear before 2 test in a query with ORDER BY ordering ASC.
   • To adjust the order (e.g., 2 test before Normal), the following SQL could be used:

     UPDATE gduqf_jshopping_taxes SET ordering = 2 WHERE tax_id = 1;
     UPDATE gduqf_jshopping_taxes SET ordering = 1 WHERE tax_id = 2;
     

2. Verify Data:

   • Re-running the SELECT query confirmed the data and ordering values were correct.

Step 4: Clearing Joomla Cache

Database changes require clearing the Joomla cache to ensure the application uses the updated schema:

1. Clear Cache via Admin Panel:

   • Navigate to System > Clear Cache in the Joomla Administrator panel and delete all cache files.

2. Manual Cache Clearing:

   • Alternatively, delete all files in the JROOT/cache directory.

Step 5: Testing the Fix

The final step was to verify that the error was resolved and the JoomShopping component functioned correctly:

1. Access the Affected Page:

   • Visit the product edit page in JoomShopping (triggered by ProductsController.php).
   • Confirm that the error 1054 Unknown column 'ordering' in 'order clause' no longer appeared.

2. Verify Tax Display:

   • Check that the taxes Normal (19.00) and 2 test (25.00) appeared in the tax selection dropdown or list.
   • Confirm the sort order matched the ordering values (e.g., Normal before 2 test with ordering 0 and 1).

3. Debug the Query (if needed):

   • If issues persisted, add debugging to TaxesModel.php:

     $query = $db->getQuery(true)
         ->select('*')
         ->from('#__jshopping_taxes')
         ->order('ordering');
     var_dump($query->dump());
     $db->setQuery($query);
     $result = $db->loadObjectList();
     var_dump($result);
     

   • This outputs the query and results, ensuring both records are returned.

Step 6: Preventive Measures

To avoid similar issues in the future:

1. Backup Regularly:

   • Export the gduqf_jshopping_taxes table or entire database via phpMyAdmin.
   • Use Joomla extensions like Akeeba Backup for full site backups.

2. Check JoomShopping Updates:

   • Navigate to Components > JoomShopping > Install & Update in the Joomla Admin panel to check for updates.
   • Review the JoomShopping changelog for known issues related to the ordering column.

3. Monitor Logs:

   • Check Joomla logs (JROOT/administrator/logs) and MySQL error logs for additional errors.
   • Run SHOW WARNINGS; after SQL queries to catch potential issues.

Alternative Approach: Modifying the Query

Instead of adding the ordering column, an alternative solution was considered: modifying the query to use an existing column (e.g., tax_id or tax_name):

1. Edit TaxesModel.php:

   • Open JROOT\administrator\components\com_jshopping\Model\TaxesModel.php.
   • Locate the query around line 32:

     $query = "SELECT * FROM #__jshopping_taxes ORDER BY ordering";
     

   • Change to:

     $query = "SELECT * FROM #__jshopping_taxes ORDER BY tax_id";
     

2. Trade-offs:

   • Pros: Avoids database changes, quick to implement.
   • Cons: May not support JoomShopping’s sorting functionality if ordering is required for drag-and-drop or manual sorting in the admin panel.

Adding the ordering column was preferred, as it aligned with JoomShopping’s intended functionality.

Conclusion

The SQL error 1054 Unknown column 'ordering' in 'order clause' was successfully resolved by adding the missing ordering column to the gduqf_jshopping_taxes table, populating it with appropriate values, clearing the Joomla cache, and verifying the fix. The process involved diagnosing the schema, executing SQL commands, handling a deprecated warning, and testing the JoomShopping component. By following best practices like backing up data and checking for updates, similar issues can be prevented. This approach ensures the JoomShopping component functions correctly, with taxes displayed and sorted as expected.