SQLCODE -913 during batch update

SQLCODE -913: resource unavailable — the object you need is in a restrictive state or held by a utility.

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

• Table space in COPY-pending, REORG-pending or another restrictive state.
• A utility (LOAD, REORG, RECOVER) holds the object.
• Dataset for the table space is unavailable.

How to diagnose

• Check the table space status: -DISPLAY DATABASE(name) SPACENAM(*).
• Look for running utilities on that object.
• Check for -904 companion messages naming the resource.

How to fix it

• Clear the restrictive state: run the required utility (e.g. COPY after LOAD).
• Wait for or reschedule around the conflicting utility.
• Restart the database object if the dataset is the issue.

Example: Display object status

Restrictive states are cleared by running the pending utility.

Interview tip

• Q: How would you troubleshoot a SQLCODE -913 during batch update 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.