What are the best practices for using primary keys in SQL?

What are the best practices for using primary keys in SQL?

When using primary keys in SQL, it's important to ensure they are unique, not null, and stable over time. Additionally, consider using surrogate keys for better performance.

Can you explain why surrogate keys are preferred?

Surrogate keys are preferred because they are system-generated, ensuring uniqueness and stability, which can simplify relationships between tables.

What about composite primary keys? Are they a good practice?

Composite primary keys can be useful when a single column isn't sufficient for uniqueness. However, they can complicate queries and relationships, so use them judiciously.

How do primary keys affect database performance?

Primary keys improve database performance by enabling efficient indexing and faster query execution, as they provide a unique identifier for each record.