Use this statement to eliminate a SQL variable.

Syntax

DROP VARIABLE  [ IF EXISTS ] identifier

Remarks

The DROP VARIABLE statement eliminates a SQL variable that was previously created using the CREATE VARIABLE statement. Variables are automatically eliminated when the database connection is released. Variables are often used for large objects, so eliminating them after use or setting them to NULL can free up significant resources (primarily disk space).

Use the IF EXISTS clause if you do not want an error returned when the DROP statement attempts to remove a database object that does not exist.

Permissions

None.

Side effects

None.

See also

• CREATE VARIABLE statement
• SET statement

Standards and compatibility