The optional IF EXISTS clause in the DROP statement suppresses error reporting if the object specified does not exist, or exists but is not owned by the user. The IF EXISTS clause is typically used prior to issuing the corresponding CREATE statement to ensure that the CREATE statement does not fail due to an existing object of that type.

The IF EXISTS clause is supported for database objects TABLE, VIEW, INDEX, SYNONYM, and PROCEDURE. It is also supported on the DROP LINK, REMOVE TABLE, and REMOVE VIEW statements in Ingres Star.

For more information, see the SQL Reference Guide and the Star User Guide.