The Relational Database Model Flashcards
What does the Relational Database Model do?
It enables logical representation of data and its relationshipsW
What does logical simplicity yield?
It yields simple and effective database design methodologies
What is the logical view facilitated by?
It is facilitated by the creation of data relationships based on a logical construct called a relation
What are the 8 characteristics of a relational table?
Table is perceived as a two-dimensional structure composed of rows and columns
Each table row (tuple) represents a single entity occurence within the entity set
Each table column represents an attribute, and each column has a distinct name
Each intersection of a row and column represents a single data value
All values in a column must conform to the same data format
The order of the rows and columns is immaterial to the DBMS
Each table must have an attribute or combination of attributes that uniquely identifies each row
What does a key consist of?
A key consists of one or more attributes that determine other attributes
What does a key ensure?
It ensures that each row in a table is uniquely identifiable
What does a key establish?
It establishes relationships among tables and to ensure the integrity of the data
What is a primary key?
It is an attribute or combination of attributes that uniquely identifies a row
What is a determination?
It is a state in which knowing the value of one attribute makes it possible to determine the value of another
What does a determination establish?
It establishes the role of a key
What is a determination based on?
It is based on the relationships among the attributes
What is functional dependence?
It is a value of one or more attributes that determines the value of one or more other attributes
What is a determinant?
It is an attribute whose value determines another
What is a dependent?
It is an attribute whose value is determined by the other attribute
What is a composite key?
It is a key that is composed of more than one attribute
What is a key attribute?
It is an attribute that is a part of a key
What is a superkey?
It is a key that can uniquely identify any row in the table
What is a candidate key?
It is a minimal superkey
What is a foreign key?
It is the primary key of one table that has been placed into another table to create a common attribute