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DROP INDEX

Remove an index from the database. The underlying table and its data are not affected.

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Syntax

DROP INDEX [IF EXISTS] [schema-name.]index-name;

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Description

DROP INDEX removes a previously created index. After the index is dropped, the query planner can no longer use it to optimize queries. The table data is unchanged.

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Parameters

ParameterDescription
IF EXISTSPrevents an error if the index does not exist. The statement is a no-op when the index is absent.
schema-nameThe name of the attached database containing the index. Defaults to the main database if omitted.
index-nameThe name of the index to drop.

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Behavior

  • Only explicitly created indexes can be dropped. Indexes automatically created for PRIMARY KEY and UNIQUE constraints cannot be dropped directly — drop the table or use ALTER TABLE instead.
  • Dropping an index may degrade query performance for queries that relied on it, but does not affect correctness.

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Examples

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Drop an Index

DROP INDEX idx_users_email;

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Drop an Index Only if It Exists

DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_old_search;

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Drop an Index in an Attached Database

DROP INDEX aux.idx_sessions_token;

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See Also