What are the different Types of Keys in Relational Model?
Direct Answer
Tests knowledge of Primary, Foreign, Candidate, Super, and Alternate keys.
Why Interviewers Ask This
Keys define relationships and constraints. Interviewers assess your ability to design schemas that enforce referential integrity and uniqueness.
How to Answer This Question
List and define each key type. Explain how Primary Keys uniquely identify rows. Describe Foreign Keys linking tables. Mention Candidate Keys as potential primary keys. Use examples to illustrate relationships between entities.
Key Points to Cover
- Primary Key definition
- Foreign Key relationships
- Candidate vs Super keys
- Integrity enforcement
Sample Answer
In relational databases, keys include Primary Keys for unique identification, Foreign Keys for linking tables, and Candidate Keys as potential primary keys. Super Keys are any sets of attributes that uniquely identify a…
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing primary and foreign keys
- Omitting alternate keys
- Failing to explain uniqueness
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