Explanation: An alternate key is a candidate key that is not a primary key
What is alternate key in database ?
- An alternate key in a database management system (DBMS) is a column or group of columns in a table that uniquely identify every row in that table.
- Alternate keys are not used as primary keys because only one key can be set as the primary key.
- Alternate keys are secondary candidate keys that are capable of identifying a row uniquely.
Other types of keys in a DBMS include: Candidate key, Super key, Primary key, Foreign key, Artificial key.
Artificial key in a DBMS
An artificial key in a DBMS is an extra attribute added to a table when the primary key is large and complex. The data values of the artificial keys are usually numbered in a serial order.
