SQL in a Nutshell

Name

DROP TABLE

Synopsis

This command removes a table definition and all data, indexes, triggers, constraints, and permission specifications for that table. Any view or stored procedure that references the dropped table encounters problems, unless they are explicitly altered or dropped as well.

Some vendors do not allow a table to be dropped unless certain other characteristics of the table are dropped first. For example, Microsoft SQL Server requires that the table be dropped from any replication scheme and FOREIGN KEY references be dropped before the table itself is dropped.

Vendor	Command
SQL Server	Supported, with variations
MySQL	Supported, with variations
Oracle	Supported, with variations
PostgreSQL	Supported, with variations

SQL99 Syntax and Description

DROP TABLE table_name RESTRICT | CASCADE

In the SQL99 syntax, RESTRICT prohibits the DBMS from executing the command if views or constraints currently reference the table to be dropped. The CASCADE clause causes any referencing objects to be dropped along with the table.

Microsoft SQL Server Syntax and Variations

DROP TABLE [database_name.][owner_name.]table_name [,...n]
GO

Microsoft SQL Server allows more than one table to be dropped at a time by including a comma between each table name. Tables also may be dropped in databases outside of the current context by specifying the database name (assuming the user has the right permissions). Any constraints or triggers on the table are dropped with the table. Explicitly declared ...