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Status Delivered
Workspace IBM i
Categories Db2 for i
Created by Guest
Created on Jan 7, 2020

SQL drop if exists

Please provide an IF EXISTS option on the DROP statement. For tables we have a CREATE OR REPLACE CONSTRUCT, however this isn't available for indexes/views/procedures...

While a compound statement works, it requires multiple lines of code which is cumbersome.


Use Case:

This would facilitate scripts rebuilding our database. Currently for example DROP INDEX myindex fails if it doesn't exist which could be avoided by the IF EXISTS option on the DROP statement.


Idea priority High
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Nov 13, 2020

    This enhancement was delivered in fall 2020 with with IBM i 7.4 PTF Group level 10 and IBM i 7.3 PTF Group level 22. The SQL DROP statement supports the IF EXISTS clause for all object types, allowing the statement to run successfully if an object does not exist.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Feb 17, 2020

    The COMMON Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a MEDIUM priority requirement that should be addressed.

    Background: The CEAC members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CEAC has a crucial role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community and has therefore reviewed your RFE.

    To find out how CEAC help to shape the future of IBM i, see CEAC @ ibm.biz/BdYSYj and the article "The Five Hottest IBM i RFEs Of The Quarter" at ibm.biz/BdYSZT

    Therese Eaton – CEAC Program Manager, IBM

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Jan 8, 2020

    Good suggestion!!

    The DROP xxx IF EXISTS is already part of other SQL implementations

    I will vote for anything that keeps SQL up to the common standards.