wheels db drop

Drop an existing database.

Synopsis

wheels db drop [--datasource=<name>] [--environment=<env>] [--force]

Description

The wheels db drop command permanently deletes a database. This is a destructive operation that cannot be undone. By default, it requires confirmation unless the --force flag is used.

Options

--datasource=

Specify which datasource's database to drop. If not provided, uses the default datasource from your Wheels configuration.

wheels db drop --datasource=myapp_dev

--environment=

Specify the environment to use. Defaults to the current environment.

wheels db drop --environment=testing

--force

Skip the confirmation prompt. Useful for scripting.

wheels db drop --force

Examples

Basic Usage

Drop database with confirmation:

wheels db drop
# Will prompt: Are you sure you want to drop the database 'myapp_dev'? Type 'yes' to confirm:

Force Drop

Drop without confirmation:

wheels db drop --force

Drop Test Database

wheels db drop --datasource=myapp_test --environment=testing --force

Safety Features

1. Confirmation Required: By default, you must type "yes" to confirm

2. Production Warning: Extra warning when dropping production databases

3. Clear Messaging: Shows database name and environment before dropping

Database-Specific Behavior

MySQL/MariaDB

• Uses DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS statement

• Connects to information_schema to execute command

PostgreSQL

• Terminates existing connections before dropping

• Uses DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS statement

• Connects to postgres system database

SQL Server

• Sets database to single-user mode to close connections

• Uses DROP DATABASE IF EXISTS statement

• Connects to master system database

H2

• Deletes database files (.mv.db, .lock.db, .trace.db)

• Shows which files were deleted

Warning

This operation is irreversible! Always ensure you have backups before dropping a database.

Best Practices

1. Always backup first:

   wheels db dump --output=backup-before-drop.sql
   wheels db drop

2. Use --force carefully: Only in scripts where you're certain

3. Double-check environment: Especially important for production

Error Messages

"Database not found"

The database doesn't exist. No action needed.

"Access denied"

The database user doesn't have permission to drop databases. Grant DROP privileges to the user.

"Database in use"

Some databases prevent dropping while connections are active. The command attempts to close connections automatically.

Related Commands

• wheels db create - Create a new database

• wheels db reset - Drop and recreate database

• wheels db dump - Backup before dropping