COMPOSITE KEY Meaning and
Definition
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A composite key refers to a combination of two or more different attributes or columns that are collectively used to uniquely identify a record in a database table. In other words, it is a set of fields that together form a unique identifier for a table.
In database design, a primary key is typically used to uniquely identify a row or record in a table. However, in some situations, a single attribute may not be sufficient to achieve this uniqueness requirement. This is where a composite key comes into play. By combining multiple attributes, the composite key ensures that no two records share the same combination of values for those attributes.
The use of a composite key can occur when there is no single attribute that can serve as a unique identifier or when the combination of attributes provides a more specific and precise distinction among records. This key can be composed of any combination of fields, such as names, codes, numbers, dates, or any other relevant attributes.
In database management systems, the definition and implementation of a composite key facilitate data integrity and prevent duplicate or ambiguous records. It ensures the uniqueness of data entries and helps users establish logical relationships between tables through foreign key references.
Common Misspellings for COMPOSITE KEY
- xomposite key
- vomposite key
- fomposite key
- domposite key
- cimposite key
- ckmposite key
- clmposite key
- cpmposite key
- c0mposite key
- c9mposite key
- conposite key
- cokposite key
- cojposite key
- comoosite key
- comlosite key
- com0osite key
- compisite key
- compksite key
- complsite key
- comppsite key
Etymology of COMPOSITE KEY
The term "composite key" is not derived from a specific etymology or origin but rather from the combination of two separate words: "composite" and "key".
- "Composite" comes from Latin "compositus", which means "put together" or "composed of".
- "Key" refers to a variable or set of variables used to uniquely identify a record in a database.
When combined, the term "composite key" signifies a key that is composed of multiple columns or attributes in a database table to uniquely identify a record.
