Re: Primary Key Constraints vs just indexes

Iain William Wiseman wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> Our goal is to increase performance. We have data on one platform which
> is replicated to a second using custom software.
>
> We know the data on master is always correct as there is referential
> constraints on the Master copy. I.E. Foreign and Primary Key constraints.
>
> My question is, given the integrity in gauranteed is it better to just
> have indexes on the second platform without the foreign/primary key
> constaints.
>
> Will we gain performance not have these constraints. Advantages and
> disadvantage would be appreciated. Remember it only our customer
> replication which inserts/updates/deletes so we do not need to worry
> about breaking referential integrity.
>
>
> Thanks all,
> Iain

Like with everything else ... it depends.

If you can absolutely guarantee that no one on the replication site can possibly ever get in with SQL*Plus or any other tool then you don't need the constraints. But "anyone" means DBAs and SYS and SYSTEM. It means absolutely everyone. Lacking you providing a version number that may or may not be possible to do.

If in the US do not forget Sarbanes-Oxley implications to making an poor choice.

-- 
Daniel A. Morgan
http://www.psoug.org
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
(replace x with u to respond)