Db2 SQLCODE -204 / SQLSTATE 42704: Object Not Found

What is SQLCODE -204 / SQLSTATE 42704?SQLCODE -204 fires when Db2 fails to locate the database object named in your SQL. The error text shows the unidentified object in SQLERRMC. Db2 aborts the statement because it cannot bind the reference during compilation.Object-resolution happens at parse time. If the object does not exist in the expected schema or the session lacks the privilege to see it, Db2 returns SQLSTATE 42704 (object undefined).

What Causes This Error?

Misspelled object names cause immediate failures. Db2 performs a case-sensitive search when identifiers are quoted.Unqualified names default to the CURRENT SCHEMA special register. If this register is not set to the owning schema, Db2 searches the wrong namespace and throws -204.Dropped, not yet created, or uncommitted objects are invisible to the current transaction, producing the same error.Insufficient privileges can hide objects from the data dictionary, making Db2 behave as if the object does not exist.

How to Fix SQLCODE -204

First, inspect SQLERRMC to find the missing object. Confirm its correct name and owning schema with syscat catalogs or DESCRIBE commands.Next, fully qualify the object (schema.object) in your SQL or SET CURRENT SCHEMA to the proper owner before running the statement.If the object truly does not exist, create it or ask the owning team to grant you access.When privilege issues hide the object, request SELECT, USAGE, or EXECUTE rights, then re-run the query.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Select from a table that lives in another schema – prefix the table with its schema or SET CURRENT SCHEMA.Reference a sequence – ensure CREATE SEQUENCE has committed and that you have USAGE privilege.Static SQL in packages – rebind the package after creating the missing object to resolve at bind time.Temporary tables – create the declared or global temporary table before the failing statement.

Best Practices to Avoid This Error

Always qualify table and sequence names in production code to avoid schema drift.Automate deployment scripts so CREATE and GRANT statements run before DML that depends on them.Include existence checks (IF NOT EXISTS) in DDL to make deployments idempotent.Use Galaxy’s metadata panel to autocomplete fully-qualified names and prevent typos.

Related Errors and Solutions

SQLCODE -204 vs. -206 – -206 refers to undefined columns, while -204 is for objects. Check column list if -206 appears.SQLCODE -551 – indicates lack of privilege rather than object absence; grant privileges instead of creating objects.SQLCODE -440 – undefined routines; verify procedure or function names similarly.

Misspelled or case-mismatched object names.

Missing schema qualification causing Db2 to search the wrong schema.

Object was dropped, not yet committed, or never created.

Insufficient privileges masking the object's existence.

Package bound before object creation (static SQL).

• SQLCODE -206: Column "XXXX" is undefined.• SQLCODE -551: Authorization failure; not authorized for operation.• SQLCODE -440: No routine found with matching signature.• SQLCODE -607: Operation invalid for the specified object type.

Does SQLCODE -204 always mean the object is missing?

No. Lack of privilege can hide an object, producing the same error. Check grants before creating new objects.

How do I know which object failed?

SQLERRMC in the error text shows the fully-qualified name Db2 could not resolve.

Will setting CURRENT SCHEMA fix every case?

It resolves unqualified name issues but will not help if the object is absent or privileges are missing.

Can Galaxy prevent SQLCODE -204?

Galaxy autocompletes schema-qualified names and highlights unresolved objects during query drafting, reducing the chance of runtime -204 errors.