---
title: "ALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR"
id: ecpg-sql-allocate-descriptor
pg_version: "20devel"
---

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# ALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR — allocate an SQL descriptor area

## Synopsis

```
ALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR name
```

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## Description

`ALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR` allocates a new named SQL descriptor area, which can be used to exchange data between the PostgreSQL server and the host program. 

Descriptor areas should be freed after use using the `DEALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR` command. 

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## Parameters

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**`name`**

 A name of SQL descriptor, case sensitive. This can be an SQL identifier or a host variable. <a id="id-1.7.5.20.3.5"></a>

## Examples


EXEC SQL ALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR mydesc;
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## Compatibility

`ALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR` is specified in the SQL standard. 

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## See Also

[DEALLOCATE DESCRIPTOR](ecpg-sql-deallocate-descriptor.md), [GET DESCRIPTOR](ecpg-sql-get-descriptor.md), [SET DESCRIPTOR](ecpg-sql-set-descriptor.md)