DB2 raises SQLCODE -206 when it cannot resolve the referenced column name in the current SQL scope.
DB2 SQLCODE -206, SQLSTATE 42703 signals that the column name you used is unknown in the query’s scope. Check for typos, qualify the column with the correct table alias, or add the column to the SELECT list to resolve the error.
SQLCODE=-206, SQLSTATE=42703: THE COLUMN OR EXPRESSION IDENTIFIED BY THE CORRELATION NAME IS NOT DEFINED.
DB2 raises SQLCODE -206 (SQLSTATE 42703) when a column name, correlation name, or host variable is not recognized in the context of the SQL statement.
The error halts compilation or execution because DB2 cannot map the identifier to any column in the referenced tables or views.
The error fires if a column is misspelled, not selected in a sub-query scope, removed from the table, or masked by an alias.
It also appears when joins, views, or CTEs hide the expected column.
Using aggregate functions without GROUP BY columns, or referencing columns in ORDER BY not present in SELECT with DISTINCT, can also trigger SQLCODE -206.
First, verify the column name exists exactly as written in the underlying table definition. Check case sensitivity on Linux/Unix, and quoted identifiers.
If the statement uses aliases, qualify the column with the correct alias.
For subqueries, ensure the column is projected into the outer query scope.
After schema changes, recompile views, triggers, or packages that still reference the dropped column.
SELECT list typo: change cust_nme to cust_name.
ORDER BY on hidden column: add the column to SELECT or remove ORDER BY.
Join with ambiguous names: prefix columns with table alias to disambiguate.
Use IDEs like Galaxy with autocomplete and schema introspection to catch typos early.
Adopt naming conventions and avoid quoting unless necessary to keep identifier case predictable.
Rebuild dependent objects immediately after altering tables to keep metadata in sync.
SQLCODE -204: object not defined; occurs for missing tables or views—verify object existence.
SQLCODE -501: cursor not open; open the cursor before fetch.
SQLCODE -302: data type mismatch; cast values to matching types.
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A simple typing error in the column name instantly leads to SQLCODE -206 because DB2 cannot match the identifier.
Columns referenced in ORDER BY, GROUP BY, or HAVING must appear in the SELECT list of a DISTINCT query or outer scope.
Dropped or renamed columns inside views, triggers, or static SQL packages break dependent objects until they are recompiled.
Ambiguous or Missing Table Alias
Using the wrong alias hides the real column; DB2 treats the reference as unknown.
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No. It can also result from schema changes, missing aliases, or columns not projected into the query scope.
Galaxy’s context-aware autocomplete and metadata browser surface valid column names as you type, reducing the chance of unknown-column errors.
Yes, if your database uses quoted identifiers. Unquoted identifiers are stored in uppercase, so case mismatches can trigger the error when quotes are involved.
No. Correct the SQL, recompile dependent objects if needed, and rerun the statement—no database restart is required.
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