What are the different types of keys in programming?

What are the different types of keys in programming?

In programming, keys can refer to various concepts depending on the context. Are you asking about database keys, cryptographic keys, or something else?

I'm interested in database keys.

Great! In databases, the main types of keys are primary keys, foreign keys, and composite keys. A primary key uniquely identifies a record, while a foreign key links to a primary key in another table.

Can you explain primary and foreign keys in more detail?

Sure! A primary key is a unique identifier for a record in a table, ensuring no two records have the same value. A foreign key, on the other hand, is a field in one table that links to the primary key of another table, establishing a relationship between the two.

What about composite keys?

A composite key is a combination of two or more columns in a table that together uniquely identify a record. It's used when a single column isn't sufficient to ensure uniqueness.