What are the best practices for using keys in database design?

What are the best practices for using keys in database design?

The best practices for using keys in database design include using primary keys for unique identification, foreign keys for establishing relationships, and ensuring that keys are stable and immutable.

Can you explain the difference between primary keys and foreign keys?

Sure! A primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table, while a foreign key is a field that links to the primary key of another table, establishing a relationship between the two.

How do I choose a good primary key?

A good primary key should be unique, stable, and not null. It's often best to use a single column with a simple data type, like an integer or a UUID.

What are some common mistakes to avoid with keys?

Common mistakes include using non-unique values as primary keys, failing to enforce referential integrity with foreign keys, and changing key values frequently.