surrogate key

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(database)

surrogate key - A unique primary key generated by the RDBMS that is not derived from any data in the database and whose only significance is to act as the primary key.

A surrogate key is frequently a sequential number (e.g. a Sybase "identity column") but doesn't have to be. Having the key independent of all other columns insulates the database relationships from changes in data values or database design and guarantees uniqueness.

Some database designers use surrogate keys religiously regardless of the suitability of other candidate keys. However, if a good key already exists, the addition of a surrogate key will merely slow down access, particularly if it is indexed.

Compare: intelligent key.

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No references found			The data-staging area contains the conformed dimensions but it is also the place where surrogate keys are generated, maps to the operational systems are kept, current loads of operational data are stored, and any atomic data not currently used in the data marts is stored. Comparing two data warehouse methodologies by Geiger, Jonathan G / Database and Network Journal The initial data sets created off the acute care data may derive the surrogate key for an encounter record from a combination of patient account number and discharge date. Changing the Rules in Enterprise Data Warehousing by Wood, Michael T. / Health Management Technology announces UBS AG, a leading global financial services firm, has deployed Sapior Redbridge, Sapior's specialised surrogate key mapping tool, to speed indexing and join performances of its credit risk data warehouse. UBS Deploys Sapior Redbridge to Enhance Data Warehouse Performance by Business Wire			Surma Surma River surmounted arch Surname suroet Surovikino Surozh, Sea of Surozhites surplus Surplus Appropriation System Surplus Labor Surplus Product Surplus Value surprint Surprise Surprise Cove State Marine Park Surra Surratt Society Surratt, Mary Eugenia Surrealism surrender Surrey Surrey, Henry Howard, earl Surrey, Henry Howard, earl of surrogate surrogate key surrogate mother surrogate motherhood surround surround curtain surround sound Surry County sursassite Sursk Surskoe surtax Surtees Surtees, Robert Smith Surtsey Suruga survalence surveillance surveillance approach surveillance radar surveillance satellite Survey survey design survey foot survey instrument survey meter Survey Ship			surreys surreys SURRF Surriento Surriento Surriento surripere surrogacies surrogacies surrogacies surrogacy surrogacy surrogacy surrogacy surrogacy surrogate surrogate surrogate surrogate surrogate Surrogate Accuracy in Matching Patient Preferences Scale Surrogate court Surrogate court Surrogate Data Radio Surrogate Database Administrator Surrogate Digital Radio Surrogate endpoint Surrogate endpoint Surrogate High-Energy Laser Surrogate In-Vehicle Information Systems surrogate key Surrogate marker Surrogate mom Surrogate mom Surrogate mom surrogate mother surrogate mother surrogate mother surrogate mother surrogate mother surrogate motherhood surrogate motherhood surrogate motherhood surrogate motherhood surrogate motherhood Surrogate mothers Surrogate mothers Surrogate mothers Surrogate mothers surrogate parenting surrogate partner Surrogate pregnancy Surrogate pregnancy Surrogate pregnancy Surrogate pregnancy Surrogate pregnancy Surrogate Syndrome Surrogate System Design Description Document Surrogate System Implementation Plan Surrogate System Software Requirements Document surrogate test

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