SQLCODE -532 parent row delete restriction

SQLCODE -532: parent row delete restriction — same family as -531: referential rules block the delete.

What it means

• After every EXEC SQL, DB2 returns a SQLCODE: 0 means success, +100 means no row found, and negative values mean an error.

Common causes

• Dependent rows exist under the delete rule in force.
• Delete issued at the wrong level of the hierarchy.

How to diagnose

• List the dependent rows.
• Review the foreign key delete rule.

How to fix it

• Remove dependents first or change the rule.

Example: Check the delete rule

The rule, not the data, decides the outcome.

Interview tip

• Q: How would you troubleshoot a SQLCODE -532 parent row delete restriction in production?
• A: I would check the SQLCODE and SQLERRM immediately after the failing statement, reproduce in SPUFI, then apply the specific fix.

Prevention checklist

• Always check SQLCODE after every EXEC SQL statement.
• Log the SQLCODE, SQLSTATE and failing statement for support.