Richard Broersma Jr wrote:
--- "Joshua D. Drake" <jd@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
The value of a surrogate key is easy retrieval and really has nothing to
do with normalization or proper modeling.
I often add a surrogate key, even when one is not required just so I
don't have to worry about have a 4 element where clause.
I've often wondered about this. Since PostgreSQL allows FOREIGN KEYS to be referenced from UNIQUE
(non-primary) natural keys, couldn't the schema be designed so that every table has a surrogate
PRIMARY KEY and yet still maintain the relationships using UNIQUE natural keys.
Would a design like this be practical?
I would do it the other way. Have your primary keys be natural.
Joshua D. Drake
Regards,
Richard Broersma Jr.
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