Informix Error -9872: Cannot drop operator class operator_class_name: still in use.

Cause and resolution

Cannot drop operator class operator_class_name: still in use.

The operator class is being used in an existing index and therefore cannot be dropped. Drop all the indexes that use the operator class before you drop it.

Oninit® Troubleshooting Guidance

Reasons / Common Causes

-9872 fires when DROP OPCLASS targets an operator class that's still used by an existing index — per the official guidance.

One or more indexes still using the operator class, per the official guidance — the direct, only cause.

Solutions / Resolution

Drop all indexes that use the operator class before dropping it, per the official guidance.

Examples

N/A

No specific triggering statement is documented beyond dropping an in-use operator class.

Diagnostic Checks

Check the system catalog for indexes using the operator class, and drop them first.

Related Errors / Related Topics

-9873 — "Not owner of operator class." A related DROP-OPCLASS restriction, on authorization rather than the class still being in use.

The operator class is still in use by an index — drop that index first.