Re: Primary Key Question

Just because a table is an "end node" or not referenced by another table, doesn't mean you would not want a unique index or primary key in the table. It should not really matter how the primary key is generated or what it is, as long as it is unique. Just remember, if the primary key is auto generated, a user will not be able to query on that key. I don't think there is a right or wrong way with out looking at the complete solution.

Tim Ringwood wrote:

> I was told early on in the world of DBA stuff that a primary key should
> normally
> be a sequence number I generate. At times I have use two keys from other
> tables
> when the table in question is a join table. The person I am now working
> with
> doesn't think you need a sequence number if the table in question is an
> "end node".
> (I don't know the correct term, but a table in which isn't refrenced by
> any other
> table). Instead the primary key is made up off user inputed data in
> combination
> of sequence numbers from other tables (at times having 4 fields making
> up the
> primary key). How do people feel about this? Hot debate here!
>
> thanks for any feedback!
>
> tim
> tringwood_at_yahoo.com
Received on Thu Aug 17 2000 - 12:18:45 CDT