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Different Types of Keys in DBMS

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44 views2 pages

Different Types of Keys in DBMS

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Yogesh 02
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Different Types of Keys in DBMS

In a relational database management system (DBMS), keys are used to uniquely identify rows
within a table. They play a crucial role in maintaining data integrity and enabling efficient data
retrieval. Here are the different types of keys:

Primary Key
● Definition: A unique identifier for each row in a table.
● Characteristics:
○ Must be unique for every row.
○ Cannot contain null values.
○ Typically a single column, but can be a combination of columns (composite primary key).

Candidate Key
● Definition: A set of attributes that uniquely identifies rows within a table.
● Characteristics:
○ Can be used as a primary key.
○ If a table has multiple candidate keys, one is chosen as the primary key, and the others
become alternate keys.

Alternate Key
● Definition: A candidate key that is not chosen as the primary key.
● Characteristics:
○ Provides an alternative way to uniquely identify rows.
○ Can be used for indexing or foreign key relationships.

Super Key
● Definition: A set of attributes that contains a candidate key.
● Characteristics:
○ May include redundant attributes.
○ Can be used to identify rows, but is not necessarily unique.

Foreign Key
● Definition: A column or set of columns in one table that references the primary key of
another table.
● Characteristics:
○ Enforces referential integrity between tables.
○ Can be used to establish relationships between entities.

Unique Key
● Definition: A constraint that ensures that all values in a column or set of columns are unique.
● Characteristics:
○ Similar to a candidate key, but may allow null values.
○ Often used for indexing or to enforce uniqueness in specific columns.

Composite Key
● Definition: A primary key or candidate key that consists of multiple columns.
● Characteristics:
○ Used when a single column cannot uniquely identify rows.
○ Requires careful consideration to ensure uniqueness and data integrity.

Example:

Consider a table named "Customers" with columns: customer_id, first_name, last_name, and
address.

● Primary key: customer_id


● Candidate keys: customer_id (assuming it's unique), first_name and last_name (if
combined)
● Alternate key: first_name and last_name (if not chosen as primary key)
● Super key: customer_id, first_name, last_name, address (contains the primary key)
● Foreign key: customer_id in an "Orders" table (referencing the primary key of "Customers")

By understanding these key types, you can design well-structured databases and ensure data
integrity and consistency.

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