SQLCODE -305 null indicator missing

SQLCODE -305: null indicator missing — the column can be null but the program gave no indicator variable.

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

• SELECT/UPDATE on a nullable column without an indicator.
• FETCH into a host variable with no indicator.

How to diagnose

• Check the column definition: is it nullable?
• Look at the INTO list for missing indicators.

How to fix it

• Add an indicator variable: EXEC SQL FETCH ... INTO :HV:IND.
• Or change the column to NOT NULL if business rules allow.

Example: Add the indicator variable

Indicator < 0 means the value is null.

Interview tip

• Q: How would you troubleshoot a SQLCODE -305 null indicator missing 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.