SQL DROP DATABASE

The DROP DATABASE statement is used to permanently delete an existing database along with all its tables, views, and other objects.

 

Syntax of SQL DROP DATABASE

DROP DATABASE database_name;

• database_name: The name of the database to be deleted.

 

Key Features of SQL DROP DATABASE

• Completely removes a database and its contents.
• Requires administrative privileges.
• Cannot be undone once executed.

 

Example of SQL DROP DATABASE

DROP DATABASE SchoolDB;

Output:

The SchoolDB database is deleted permanently.

 

Checking Available Databases

To see the list of existing databases before dropping one:

SHOW DATABASES;

 

Conditional Deletion

To prevent errors when dropping a non-existent database, use:

DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS SchoolDB;

Output:

Drops SchoolDB only if it exists, avoiding errors.

 

Summary

• DROP DATABASE permanently deletes a database.
• Use IF EXISTS to avoid errors.
• Always check existing databases using SHOW DATABASES.
• This operation cannot be undone, so proceed with caution.