Sql Server Agent Job - Exists then Drop?

Check and drop job using job ID

DECLARE @JobID binary(16);
SELECT @JobID = job_id FROM msdb.dbo.sysjobs WHERE name = N'YourJobName';

IF @JobID IS NOT NULL
BEGIN
    EXEC msdb.dbo.sp_delete_job @job_id=@JobID, @delete_unused_schedule=1;
END
-- Comment: Job ID - Job's unique fingerprints, makes it harder for the culprit to hide.


Utilizing a job's ID to reference the job can be more accurate and safer, especially when job names might be potentially duplicated.

Assessing deletion success and handling failure

DECLARE @ReturnCode INT;
EXEC @ReturnCode = msdb.dbo.sp_delete_job @job_name=N'YourJobName', @delete_unused_schedule=1;

-- Checking for success
IF @ReturnCode <> 0
BEGIN
    -- Handle the error appropriately
    PRINT 'The job could not be deleted or does not exist.';
    -- Comment: It's like turning up to a party you weren't invited to and then being surprised when they kick you out.
END


Considering the delicate nature of job operations, potential errors need to be handled properly.

Dealing with multiple jobs on a hit list

DECLARE @JobName NVARCHAR(128);
DECLARE job_cursor CURSOR FOR
    SELECT name FROM msdb.dbo.sysjobs WHERE name LIKE 'TempJob%';

OPEN job_cursor;
FETCH NEXT FROM job_cursor INTO @JobName;

WHILE @@FETCH_STATUS = 0
BEGIN
    EXEC msdb.dbo.sp_delete_job @job_name = @JobName, @delete_unused_schedule=1;
    FETCH NEXT FROM job_cursor INTO @JobName;
END;

CLOSE job_cursor;
DEALLOCATE job_cursor;
-- Comment: Bear in mind, deleting jobs this way is like playing whack-a-mole.


Employ a cursor for controlled iteration over a set of jobs (e.g., temporary or test jobs).

Common pitfalls and avoiding them

Jobs might have multiple schedules or shared schedules.

• Remember to set @delete_unused_schedule=1 to remove any orphaned schedules when a job has multiple schedules
• Check if a schedule isn't accidentally removed when shared by other jobs

Transactional safety

BEGIN TRANSACTION;

-- Job deletion commands here

-- If everything is successful
COMMIT TRANSACTION;

-- If there is an error
ROLLBACK TRANSACTION;
-- Comment: Implementing a bungee jump policy for your job transactions. They can jump off, but they'll always come bouncing back if something goes wrong.


Use a transaction to ensure either complete success or no changes at all, preventing half-done updates from occurring.