What is SQLCODE -204: Object Not Defined

SQLCODE -204: Object Not Defined

Common SQL Errors

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SQLCODE -204 indicates that a referenced table, view, alias, or other object does not exist or is not accessible in the current context.

IBM Db2

SQLCODE -204 SQLSTATE 42704 Message: "OBJECT-NAME" is an undefined name.

Explanation

This Db2 error means that the SQL statement references a database object that Db2 cannot find. This may be due to a typo, an incorrect schema, or the object not existing at all. It can occur with tables, views, aliases, indexes, or even functions and procedures.

The error may also appear if:

The object exists but is in a different schema than expected
The user lacks permissions to access the object
The object was recently dropped or renamed
The SQL is referencing an object before it's created (like in dynamic SQL or script-based deployments)

The associated SQLSTATE 42704 confirms it's an object resolution issue.

Common Causes

Misspelled object name

Incorrect schema or database qualifier

Referencing an object before it exists

Object dropped or not committed

Permission or visibility issue (e.g., session auth not matching owner schema)

Related Errors

SQLCODE -206: Column not found
SQLCODE -551: Authorization failure
SQLCODE -440: Function or procedure not found

FAQs

Q: Why does this happen if I just created the table?
A: It may not be committed yet in your current session, or you might be referencing it in a different schema than where it was created.

Q: How do I know what schema I'm using?
A: Run SELECT CURRENT SCHEMA FROM SYSIBM.SYSDUMMY1; to check. Always qualify with schema.object if unsure.

Q: Can this error come from a missing UDF or stored procedure?
A: Yes—SQLCODE -204 applies to any object type, including functions, procedures, views, and tables.

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