Thread: Conditional ALTER TABLE

Is there a way to make a conditional ALTER TABLE command?

If I want to drop a column only if that table's column exists, what
would be the correct syntax.  I have tried several IF EXISTS, but I
get an error at "IF".  I would like to use the Query tool in pgAdmin
III, if possible.  But, if push comes to shove, I'll resort to psql.

As an alternative, how best to tell SQL (Query tool) to continue
processing a script even if an "error" (like no column exists) is
encountered.

Thanks,

Dale

Dale Seaburg <kg5lt@verizon.net> writes:
> Is there a way to make a conditional ALTER TABLE command?

Nope, no such feature.  Consider writing a plpgsql function that
contains whatever logic you need.

> As an alternative, how best to tell SQL (Query tool) to continue
> processing a script even if an "error" (like no column exists) is
> encountered.

psql will do that happily enough.

            regards, tom lane