docs/sql-ref-syntax-ddl-drop-database.md

---
layout: global
title: DROP DATABASE
displayTitle: DROP DATABASE
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  this work for additional information regarding copyright ownership.
  The ASF licenses this file to You under the Apache License, Version 2.0
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---

### Description

Drop a database and delete the directory associated with the database from the file system. An 
exception will be thrown if the database does not exist in the system. 

### Syntax

```sql
DROP { DATABASE | SCHEMA } [ IF EXISTS ] dbname [ RESTRICT | CASCADE ]
```

### Parameters

* **DATABASE `|` SCHEMA**

    `DATABASE` and `SCHEMA` mean the same thing, either of them can be used.

* **IF EXISTS**

    If specified, no exception is thrown when the database does not exist.

* **RESTRICT**

    If specified, will restrict dropping a non-empty database and is enabled by default.

* **CASCADE**

    If specified, will drop all the associated tables and functions.

### Examples

```sql
-- Create `inventory_db` Database
CREATE DATABASE inventory_db COMMENT 'This database is used to maintain Inventory';

-- Drop the database and it's tables
DROP DATABASE inventory_db CASCADE;

-- Drop the database using IF EXISTS
DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS inventory_db CASCADE;
```

### Related Statements

* [CREATE DATABASE](sql-ref-syntax-ddl-create-database.html)
* [DESCRIBE DATABASE](sql-ref-syntax-aux-describe-database.html)
* [SHOW DATABASES](sql-ref-syntax-aux-show-databases.html)