DROP TABLE - Removes existing tables from a database


SYNOPSIS

       DROP TABLE name [, ...]

   INPUTS
       name   The name of an existing table to drop.

   OUTPUTS
       DROP   The  message returned if the command completes suc­
              cessfully.

       ERROR: table "name" does not exist
              If the  specified  table  does  not  exist  in  the
              database.


DESCRIPTION

       DROP  TABLE  removes  tables  from the database.  Only its
       owner may destroy a table. A table may be emptied of rows,
       but not destroyed, by using DELETE.

       If  a  table  being destroyed has secondary indexes on it,
       they will be removed first. The removal  of  just  a  sec­
       ondary  index will not affect the contents of the underly­
       ing table.

   NOTES
       Refer to CREATE TABLE and ALTER TABLE for  information  on
       how to create or modify tables.


USAGE

       To destroy two tables, films and distributors:

       DROP TABLE films, distributors;


COMPATIBILITY

   SQL92
       SQL92  specifies  some  additional  capabilities  for DROP
       TABLE:

       DROP TABLE table { RESTRICT | CASCADE }

       RESTRICT
              Ensures that only a table with no  dependent  views
              or integrity constraints can be destroyed.

              Any referencing views or integrity constraints will
              also be dropped.

              Tip: At present, to remove a  referenced  view  you
              must drop it explicitly.


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