SECONDARY KEY Meaning and
Definition
-
A secondary key, in the context of databases and data management, refers to a specific attribute or combination of attributes within a database table that is used to create an additional index for efficient data retrieval and organization. It is a field or group of fields that are not necessarily unique or the primary identifier of a record but aids in enhancing the performance and flexibility of data retrieval operations.
Unlike the primary key, which uniquely identifies each record within a table, a secondary key can have duplicate values. It allows for multiple records to have the same values for this attribute, making it non-unique. However, a secondary key holds considerable significance as it allows faster record retrieval by providing alternative paths to locate and access data within a database table.
Secondary keys are created to support specific types of queries that are frequently performed on the database. By defining secondary keys on attributes commonly used in search operations, databases can greatly improve query performance. These keys allow for quick and direct access to the desired data, reducing search time by avoiding a complete table scan. Secondary keys are particularly useful in large tables with a significant number of records, as they can significantly speed up data retrieval.
In summary, a secondary key in databases is an additional index created on an attribute or combination of attributes to enhance the performance and efficiency of data retrieval operations. It enables faster search and access to data, even though it may contain duplicate values.
Common Misspellings for SECONDARY KEY
- aecondary key
- zecondary key
- xecondary key
- decondary key
- eecondary key
- wecondary key
- swcondary key
- sscondary key
- sdcondary key
- srcondary key
- s4condary key
- s3condary key
- sexondary key
- sevondary key
- sefondary key
- sedondary key
- secindary key
- seckndary key
- seclndary key
- secpndary key
Etymology of SECONDARY KEY
The word "secondary" originates from the Latin word "secundarius" which means "second" or "following". It is derived from the Latin word "secundus", meaning "next" or "subsequent". The term "key" in this context refers to a symbol or code used for identification or access. In computer science and database management, a "secondary key" is a term used to describe an additional identifier within a database table that is not the primary means of identifying records.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
