dropdb

Drop a database

$ dropdb [database_name]

$ dropdb -i [database_name]

$ dropdb -h [hostname] -p [5432] [database_name]

$ dropdb -U [username] [database_name]

$ dropdb --if-exists [database_name]

$ dropdb --force [database_name]

dropdb [options] dbname

dropdb is a PostgreSQL utility that removes a database. It's a wrapper around the SQL DROP DATABASE command, providing a convenient command-line interface for database deletion.
The tool connects to the postgres database to execute the drop. The --force option terminates existing connections to the target database, allowing deletion of databases with active sessions.
dropdb requires appropriate privileges - typically superuser or database owner permissions.

DBNAME

Database name to drop.

Server hostname.

Server port.

Connect as user.

Prompt before drop.

Don't error if database doesn't exist.

Terminate existing connections.

Show SQL command executed.

Display help information.

Irreversible operation. Cannot drop database with active connections without --force. Requires superuser or owner privileges. Cannot drop template databases.

dropdb is part of the PostgreSQL client utilities, providing command-line database administration since PostgreSQL's early releases. It simplifies common administrative tasks without requiring direct SQL.

createdb(1), psql(1), dropuser(1), pg_dump(1)