# DROP DATABASE
`DROP DATABASE` removes a database from Materialize.
`DROP DATABASE` removes a database from Materialize.

> **Warning:** `DROP DATABASE` immediately removes all objects within the
> database without confirmation. Use with care!


## Syntax

```mzsql
DROP DATABASE [IF EXISTS] <database_name> [CASCADE|RESTRICT];
```

Syntax element | Description
---------------|------------
**IF EXISTS** | Optional.  If specified, do not return an error if the specified database does not exist.
`<database_name>` | The database you want to drop. For available databases, see [`SHOW DATABASES`](../show-databases).
**CASCADE** | Optional. Remove the database and its dependent objects. _(Default)_
**RESTRICT** | Optional. If specified, do not remove this database if it contains any schemas.

## Example

### Remove a database containing schemas
You can use either of the following commands:

- ```mzsql
  DROP DATABASE my_db;
  ```
- ```mzsql
  DROP DATABASE my_db CASCADE;
  ```

### Remove a database only if it contains no schemas
```mzsql
DROP DATABASE my_db RESTRICT;
```

### Do not issue an error if attempting to remove a nonexistent database
```mzsql
DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS my_db;
```

## Privileges

The privileges required to execute this statement are:

- Ownership of the dropped database.

## Related pages

- [`DROP OWNED`](../drop-owned)