We use the following terms to explain the referential integrity concept.
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Term |
Definition |
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Parent Table |
The table referred to by a Child table. Also called the “referenced table.” |
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Child Table |
A table in which the referential constraints are defined. Also called the “referencing table.” |
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Parent Key |
A candidate key in the parent table. |
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Primary Key |
With respect to referential integrity, a primary key is a parent table column set that is referred to by a foreign key column set in a child table. |
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Foreign Key |
With respect to referential integrity, a foreign key is a child table column set that refers to a primary key column set in a parent table. |
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