SQLCODE -220 column definition mismatch

SQLCODE -220: column definition mismatch — the value does not match the column definition.

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

• Inserting a string into a numeric column.
• Length or type mismatch.

How to diagnose

• Compare the value type with the column type.
• Check DCLGEN vs working storage.

How to fix it

• Convert the value or fix the column/host definition.

Example: Align types end to end

Type mismatches surface as -220.

Interview tip

• Q: How would you troubleshoot a SQLCODE -220 column definition mismatch 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.