SQLCODE -206 column not found

SQLCODE -206: column not found — the SQL names a column the table does not have.

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

• Typo in the column name.
• Column renamed in DDL but program not updated.
• Wrong table in the FROM clause.

How to diagnose

• Describe the table: check actual column names.
• Compare with DCLGEN.

How to fix it

• Fix the column name.
• Refresh DCLGEN and recompile after DDL changes.

Example: Refresh DCLGEN after DDL changes

Stale copybooks cause -206.

Interview tip

• Q: How would you troubleshoot a SQLCODE -206 column not found 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.