Scribd
Upload
10 views

SQL query1

Different type of data bases

Uploaded by

Shipra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views

SQL query1

Different type of data bases

Uploaded by

Shipra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 12

Beginner’s Guide

Different
Types of Keys
in Databases
and Their
Uses
Pradeep M
@pradeep-m-analyst
1

Primary Key
It’s like a unique ID for each row in a table.

It ensures that each row is unique and


cannot be null.
2

Foreign Key
A foreign key links a table to another table
by referencing its primary key, creating
relationships.

Example: An "Orders" table might connect


to "Customers" using a foreign key
referencing the "Customer ID."
3

Composite Key
When a single column isn't enough to
uniquely identify a record, we combine
two or more columns.

Example: An "Invoice" table might use


"Invoice Number" and "Invoice Date"
together to uniquely identify each invoice.
4

Super Key
Any group of columns in a super key can
uniquely identify a record, but only one
becomes the primary key.

Example: A "Student" table might have


"Student ID," "Last Name," and "First
Name" as a super key, but only "Student
ID" might be chosen.
5

Candidate Key
Like a contender for primary key, a
candidate key is unique but might not be
the chosen one.

Example: In the "Student" table, both


"Student ID" and "Email" (if unique) could
be candidate keys.
6

Unique Key
Similar to a primary key, a unique key
ensures no duplicates, but allows one
record to be missing a value.

Example: A "Product" table might have a


unique key on "Product Code" to allow for
a product without a code yet.
7

Alternate Key
This is a backup option for unique
identification within a table, offering
flexibility.

Example: A "User" table might have a


primary key on "User ID" and an alternate
key on "Email" for login purposes.
8

Natural Key
This is a key that naturally identifies a row.

Example: An email address


9

Surrogate Key
When there's no natural unique identifier,
we create an artificial key.

Example: An "Employee" table might use


an auto-generated "Employee ID" as a
surrogate key.
10

Secondary Key
These don't identify records directly, but
act like helpful indexes to speed up
searches.

Example: A "Products" table might have a


secondary key on "Category" for faster
searches by category.
Did you find this
valuable?
Show some love with a like and inspire
me to create more!

Pradeep M
@pradeep-m-analyst

You might also like